The production of energy at the barrage at Märkt has caused longstanding conflicts between environmental organisations and the French energy supplier, Électricité de France (EdF). The main concern is the minimum volume of water discharged into the Old Rhine at the Märkt barrage, to ensure a certain biodiversity and to make the waters suitable for salmon. The EdF looses these discharges for the production of electricity.

From a conversation with Michael Wilke, Trinational Centre for the Environment Weil am Rhein

The construction of Birsfelden Hydroelectric Plant began in 1950, it started operations in 1954. In 1978 the large lock was expanded by a second one, to guarantee maximum capacity in case of failure in one of the locks.
The most prominent change was the modernisation in 1995: the entire plant was brought up to date, to increase production and reduce staff costs. By around the mid 21st century, a renovation of the plant will be necessary. The license to operate the plant extends to 2034.

From a conversation with Werner Maier, director of Birsfelden Hydroelectric Plant
Pictures: © Birsfelden Hydroelectric Plant

The cantons of Basel-Stadt and Basel-Land signed a contract to share the energy from Birsfelden Hydroelectric Plant and distribute it to the region. 50% of the shares still belong to BS, 50% to BL. BL hedge their shares through cooperatives in Münchenstein and Liestal.

From a conversation with Werner Maier

vid_stro_004.mov from FHNW HGK IXDM on Vimeo.

As a protection against theft, shiploads are sealed prior to departure. The video shows the „Piz Languard” transporting kerosene from Vlissingen/Belgium to Basel. At its destination, the employee of the Rhytank AG controls the seals before removing them. He then discharges the load via a pipe system into the storage tanks. From there the kerosene is transported to a Swiss airport by rail or lorries.

From a conversation with Pierre de Bruijn

Additional captains of the solar ferry beside Alfredo Schmassmann are Jost Hummel (in the video) and Ruedi Bracher.

Between Dreirosen bridge and Johanniter bridge: right bank of the Rhine (Lesser Basel side)

Birsfelden Hydroelectric Plant: in front of the transformers’ hall

Birsfelden Hydroelectric Plant: weir