The Hučák power plant in H. Králové will be repaired by the end of the year

Hradec Králové - The monumentally protected small hydroelectric power plant Hučák in Hradec Králové has been undergoing extensive reconstruction since last year for 20 million crowns. The general renovation mainly concerns the turbines, which were put into operation more than a hundred years ago. The repair is expected to be completed by the end of this year, said today ČTK regional spokesperson of ČEZ Šárka Lapáčková Beránková. The Art Nouveau power plant Hučák is one of the architectural jewels and a popular tourist destination in Hradec Králové.

"By the end of the year, the small hydroelectric power plant should be fully operational and should again supply electricity to the grid. Hučák is the last power plant in our portfolio that has not undergone a major reconstruction during its operation," Lapáčková Beránková told ČTK.

The general repair particularly concerns the two turbines TG2 and TG3. "This involved the repair of the unit, rewinding of the generators and the addition of regulatory elements to the regulator to allow for full automation of the control system of these two turbines. Currently, the reassembly of the unit is ongoing," Lapáčková Beránková stated.

The plant, with a capacity of 0.75 megawatts, was built on the Elbe Hučavý weir, after which it was named. Three Francis turbines were installed in 1911, and they began supplying electricity to the grid at the beginning of 1912. In the 1920s, the unit and other technological equipment underwent renovations that significantly increased the plant's performance to its current level.

Seven years ago, the power plant received a new facade, which resembles its appearance at the time of its opening in the early 20th century. Restoration specialists assisted builders in finding the original white-gray facade complemented by brick masonry. The power plant also received a new roof, and its ceremonial lighting was repaired. The repairs then cost nearly 20 million crowns.

During the turbine reconstruction, the small hydroelectric power plant is closed to visitors. The facility also houses the Information Center for Renewable Sources, which operates without restrictions. The ČEZ Information Center in the power plant was opened in 2008 and has since been visited by 130,000 people.