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Canonica hydroelectric plant

History and functions

Around 1130 the Canonica di Santa Maria di Reno was built in Casalecchio di Reno, founded by the Order of Renani Canons. In this area there is a natural height difference of 5.4 m, and the Renani Canons exploited this difference to create the artificial water system of Bologna between the 12th and 13th centuries.

The last company to use hydraulic energy for its industrial production was Molino Canonica, which ceased operations at the beginning of the 1990s.

The Consorzio della Chiusa di Casalecchio e del Canale di Reno decided to look for a partner in the sector interested in restoring the hydroelectric use of the natural height difference.

Sime Energia S.r.l. from Crema accepted the challenge, and thanks to the support and collaboration of the Municipality of Casalecchio di Reno it was possible to build a new plant using the best technologies available for this type of setting. The plant produces 630 kW of power.

Info

Where
Via Canonica (di fronte n°civico 40), Casalecchio di Reno (BO).
Visits
By appointment for groups of at least 10 people or by registering for free visits organised occasionally by Canali di Bologna (Subscribe to the newsletter).
Prices
Contribution of €6 per person, €3 for children aged 6 to 18, free for children under 6. Max 25 participants.
Duration
About 1 hour.
Buses to the site from Bologna
20 (Casalecchio Croce stop), 89 (Casalecchio Croce stop), 92 (Casalecchio Croce stop), 94 (Casalecchio Croce stop).
For info and reservations
prenotazioni@canalidibologna.it
+39 389.5950213 (Mon-Thu, 8.30-12.00 - Fri, 8.30-12.30).

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