Park's logoPark's logoPark's logo
Share
Home » Mandria » Visitor Guide » Points of Interest » Other points of interest of the Park

The Hydroelectric Power Plant

In the early 20th century, the production of La Mandria estate was such that it was necessary to build another hydroelectric power plant next to the already existing one. In 1921, year in which the power plant was built, the production of energy increased from the initial 30 horsepower (about 22 kilowatts) to a total of 110 horsepower (about 88 kilowatts). The choice to increase the domestic production of energy must be considered as part of a broader project aiming at achieving economic self-sufficiency. We are in the 1920s and also La Mandria is strongly influenced by the Fascist thought.

The new power plant exploited the power of the waters of Stura di Lanzo. The project included the use of 2 artificial channels, purification tanks, a semi-forced pipeline of about 700 meters in reinforced concrete and a forced pipeline of 50 meters. Another power plant, a thermal power plant which is still visible, was provided with a Diesel three-cylinder engine - a real innovation for that time - directly combined with an energy generator.
The power produced by both power plants was 240 volt for the engine power and 125 volt for the light.
The building of the second power plant represented a real innovation in La Mandria, and was followed by the creation of a thick network of cabins and overhead lines in Borgo Castello and its surroundings, while another line brought the energy to Peppinella farmstead, to Villa dei Laghi, and to Rubbianetta farmstead.

The Power Plant is no longer active.
Municipality: Venaria Reale (TO) | Region: Piedmont | View on Map
Hydroelectricity power plant
Hydroelectricity power plant
(photo by Archivio Parco Mandria)
 
PiemonteParchiParchi da Vivere
Rate this page
Help us improve content