Saarland demolishes gigantic towers of coal-fired power plant
After 30 seconds, the spectacle is over: In Saarland, the landmarks of a former coal power plant in Ensdorf have been successfully blown up. The 120 meter high distinctive cooling tower, as well as two taller chimneys, and a final exhaust stack are history.
In Saarland, an important relic of industrial history has disappeared from the scene: The 120 meter high distinctive cooling tower of the former coal power plant in Ensdorf has been successfully blown up. Two chimneys, each 150 and 180 meters tall, and a final exhaust stack also came crashing down. "I am very satisfied. Everything went well," said plant manager Klaus Blug after the explosions, which lasted only around 30 seconds.
The former power plant has been under demolition since the beginning of 2023. It was definitively shut down at the end of 2017. A total of approximately 110 tons of explosives were used, and around 2300 detonators were deployed, according to energy supplier VSE.
The explosion in Ensdorf was "a historic day for the community," said Mayor Jörg Wilhelmy. It marks the end of an era. The distinctive structures were "a symbol for the former coal power plant and thus the mining past of the community Ensdorf, indeed the entire region." The landscape and the appearance of Ensdorf are now "permanently changed."
Safety Zone around the Area
A safety zone had been set up around the area. So, a section of the Autobahn 620 in both directions and a section of the Bundesstraße 51 near the power plant were closed. The railway was also affected.
Spectators could view the explosions from a distance: Good vantage points were at the Saarlouis lock on the opposite Saar riverbank and from the height of the Berghalde at the Saarpolygon.
Saarland has a long coal tradition: Coal mining had been going on for over 250 years until it was halted on June 30, 2012 - exactly twelve years ago. The Ensdorf power plant was built by VSE AG in 1961 and had produced power for decades.
In the context of international efforts to phase out coal, Saarland's act of demolishing its coal-fired power plant in Ensdorf is significant. Following the explosions, all remnants of the plant, including the 120-meter cooling tower and the two taller chimneys, are no longer operational in Saarland.
