The Dnipro Hydroelectric Station is a vast engineering and architectural ensemble closely linked to Zaporizhzhia’s industrial development. The complex includes DniproHES-1 and DniproHES-2, a dam, navigation locks and associated hydraulic structures.
Its distinctive silhouette combines the curve of the concrete dam, the repeated rhythm of its piers and the long powerhouses. The spillway section is 766 metres long. Navigation structures and approach canals occupy the left bank.
Construction transformed the river landscape and stimulated metallurgy, chemical production and mechanical engineering. The ensemble became one of Zaporizhzhia’s defining images and an important witness to the history of industrialisation.
The Dnipro Hydroelectric Station is a vast engineering and architectural ensemble closely linked to Zaporizhzhia’s industrial development. The complex includes DniproHES-1 and DniproHES-2, a dam, navigation locks and associated hydraulic structures.
Its distinctive silhouette combines the curve of the concrete dam, the repeated rhythm of its piers and the long powerhouses. The spillway section is 766 metres long. Navigation structures and approach canals occupy the left bank.
Construction transformed the river landscape and stimulated metallurgy, chemical production and mechanical engineering. The ensemble became one of Zaporizhzhia’s defining images and an important witness to the history of industrialisation.
By bus: that goes on Soborna Ave to the River Port, or via DniproGES. Nearby: Concert Hall. E. Glinki, Slavutich Arena Stadium, City House of Children and Youth Creativity.
Schemes to bypass the Dnipro rapids with canals were discussed as early as the late eighteenth century. In the early twentieth century, proposals combined navigation, electricity generation and irrigation.
Construction began in 1927. The first unit generated electricity on 1 May 1932, and the station formally opened that autumn. With its ninth unit commissioned in 1939, it reached its design capacity.
On 18 August 1941, Soviet NKVD units blew up the dam. Following partial repairs during German occupation, the station suffered further destruction as German forces withdrew. Rebuilding began in 1944; the first restored unit entered service in March 1947 and the ninth in 1950.
Construction of DniproHES-2 began in 1969. Its first unit was commissioned in 1974 and its eighth in 1980. This expansion responded to the region’s growing demand for electricity.
Schemes to bypass the Dnipro rapids with canals were discussed as early as the late eighteenth century. In the early twentieth century, proposals combined navigation, electricity generation and irrigation.
Construction began in 1927. The first unit generated electricity on 1 May 1932, and the station formally opened that autumn. With its ninth unit commissioned in 1939, it reached its design capacity.
On 18 August 1941, Soviet NKVD units blew up the dam. Following partial repairs during German occupation, the station suffered further destruction as German forces withdrew. Rebuilding began in 1944; the first restored unit entered service in March 1947 and the ninth in 1950.
Construction of DniproHES-2 began in 1969. Its first unit was commissioned in 1974 and its eighth in 1980. This expansion responded to the region’s growing demand for electricity.