ECVB

ECVB
(Elektrische Centralen voor Vlaanderen in Brabant)

In June 1914 the original power plant went into service, bringing electricity for the first time to the Ghent area. The plant consisted of two 2000 kilowatt turbo alternators running at 3000rpm, generating 3 phase current at 12,000 volts and 50 cycles. Steam was supplied by three massive Babcock & Wilcox boilers at 200 psi and 620˚F.

The plant saw many Turbine and Boiler upgrades over the years to improve efficiency and lower operating costs.

1986 saw the creation of Museum Energeia onsite which preserved many of the older steam turbines and exhibits regarding electrical generation and history of the site. The museum was closed in 2000 due to changes in Electrobel public relations policy.

In 2001 the burners were extinguished and the turbines ceased to spin. The plant was seen as outdated as newer installations were brought online. Since closure and abandonment, the site has succumbed to vandals and explorers. The preserved 1912 Compound Steam Engine and Brown Boveri turbines have been stripped of their copper, control systems stolen and heavily vandalized. The preserved documents and books which were left onsite have been ransacked and mostly destroyed.

Demolition began in 2012 with the removal of support buildings and asbestos abatement.