At the Turn of the 20th Century, the Kamp Valley Began Generating Electricity

Austria's 1898 power plant faces demolition—or a last-chance revival

On January 6, 1898, what is believed to be the oldest alternating-current power plant in the former Austro-Hungarian Empire went into operation in the Zwettl district. The facility was shut down about 15 years ago, and now, according to the Sparkasse Zwettl Private Foundation, the historic building must be demolished.

The power plant has since fallen into disrepair and is at risk of collapse, the owner announced. However, plans call for the turbine, generator, and control center to be preserved beforehand. The goal is to safeguard this "significant industrial monument" for the long term, though it remains unclear how and where the technical components will eventually be displayed.

Authorities Review Demolition Plans

Originally, the foundation had intended to begin the roughly two-month demolition work in mid-March. The project had already been coordinated with the responsible nature conservation authority and the water rights department to ensure smooth operations in the "sensitive natural landscape of the Kamp Valley."

Yet the historic power plant still stands. The reason: a recent letter received by the owner. The Federal Monuments Office announced it would conduct further investigations, putting the project on hold for now. "We need to examine the situation in detail," said board member Thomas Weiss, summarizing the current state of affairs.