Hydroelectric plant in Guardasone

Hydroelectric water-powered plant on the Spelta Canal in Guardasone

Hydroelectric plant in Traversetolo, in the province of Parma, on the Spelta Canal near the town of Ariana di Guardasone. The location is on the left bank of the Enza River, from which the canal diverts its flow just above the bridge of the SP513R provincial road.

The plant is water-flow powered and linear, created directly on the artificial canal without an increase or dispersion of the derived flow. Indeed the water that passes though the turbine flows back into the canal or alternatively back into the Enza River through the existing discharge canal when it is too much for the canal going downstream.

From an architectural point of view, particular care has been paid to the plant building so that it integrates into the landscape and highlights its eco-friendly function, with an innovative design for the production of renewable energy, without CO2 emissions. The building is composed of two intersecting irregular elements to create a single volume, while the alternation of the material for the finishings further emphasises the design. We can see this for example in the covering metal slates that continue on the vertical parts, alternating with vertical wooden planks. This pattern then leaves space for a glass facade onto the main room of the plant to give light and breath to the whole volume.