In 1958, the largest pumped-storage power plant in northern Germany was commissioned. A reservoir with a capacity of 3.3 million cubic meters of water is located on the 86-meter-high geest ridge. Three large pumps housed in the so-called engine room fill the reservoir with water from the Elbe through 612 meters of pipes. The dammed water can then be used to power generators to compensate for short-term fluctuations in the power grid.
However, because a more even utilization of the power grid can now be ensured, and thus there are insufficient power reserves to fill the reservoir, the pumped-storage power plant has become unprofitable. Let's hope that this landmark finds a new purpose as part of the energy transition.