Möhne dam: equalising pond is emptied once again

Following the temporary restocking of the equalising pond of the Möhne dam, which has been drained for repair work since the end of August, the Ruhrverband will begin draining it again this week (week 48). The reason for this is the dismantling of the gates of the two turbine inlet gates in the auxiliary power station.

As it was discovered during the first dismantling in September that the guide profiles of these two gates were also worn and needed to be replaced, the gates were initially only provisionally repaired so as not to unnecessarily disrupt the coordinated construction process. Now they are being completely refurbished and re-preserved in the factory and the guide profiles are also being replaced during this time. The need for this level of refurbishment could not have been foreseen in advance, but it is not surprising as the components date back to 1953, the year the equalising pond and power station were commissioned.

The Ruhrverband is thus continuing the work that began in August, which marked the start of a multi-year refurbishment phase at the equalising pond. The current measure is expected to be completed in the second week of December (week 50). In later construction phases, the cone nozzle on the bottom outlet pipe II, the bottom outlet gate and the dam gate on the secondary power station will be renovated or replaced with new components; this will also result in the equalisation pond being drained from time to time.

Important: The drained pond surface is not load-bearing and it is forbidden to walk on it. This also applies to ice that forms on the remaining puddles of water. There is a danger to life!