Möhne dam: view of the equalising pond without electricity pylons in future

Few people still know the view from the Möhne dam wall towards the equalising pond without the striking electricity pylons on both banks. The reason: the 30 kV overhead line stretched between the pylons was put into operation at the same time as the new main power plant of the Möhne dam was completed, in the early 1950s. However, it is now history, as Westnetz GmbH dismantled the line this week and dismantled the two more than 70-year-old lattice pylons using a large mobile crane.

The dismantling was made possible by the fact that Westnetz GmbH had previously laid redundant power cable strands along the road south of the equalising pond to the main and secondary power plants. This meant that the old 30 kV overhead line was no longer needed and could be dismantled in a two-day operation. The laying of the new cable connection by Westnetz GmbH had already taken place last year and was used by Lister- und Lennekraftwerke GmbH (LLK), a subsidiary of Ruhrverband, for its own line and cable laying work. This resulted in synergy effects and cost savings for both companies. The dismantling of the overhead line that has now taken place not only provides a clear view, but also has a positive effect on bird protection, as many overhead power lines still pose a great danger to birds due to electric shocks.

Background: Today's main power plant on the Möhne was built between 1950 and 1953 and is located around 250 metres below the barrier wall, on the left (southern) bank of the equalising pond. The original power station of the Möhne dam was located directly below the dam wall and was completely destroyed in the Möhne disaster on 17 May 1943.