Heizkraftwerk Berlin-Reuter

...consists of two coal-fired power stations on the Northwest edge of the city- Siemenstadt.  The older, designed by Siemens architect Hans Hertlein, was built in 1931 to supply electricity to Western Berlin. Despite its strategic importance, the plant was largely spared destruction during the war.

Nevertheless, Soviet occupiers began dismantling the plant for parts in May 1945.  In July, Allied powers took control of the region of Berlin, and began rebuilding the plant.

Then came the division of the city, which cut off West Berlin from power stations in the East.  The plant took on particular importance for the city.  Parts for its reconstruction were supplied via the Berlin Airlift- 1416 tons of equipment over 580 flights.  The plant was operational by late 1959, and became the most important supplier of electricity for West Berlin.

The plant was named for the then mayor of West Berlin, Ernst Reuter.  Today, the plant supplies 165 MW- small to mid size against other plants in the city- and it sits in the shadow of its newer sister plant.

The plant is easy to approach from the Southwest, opposite side of the Spree.  Off a tiny path and through a thin strip of woods, one reaches a canal.  A small barge filled with coal is docked. A very peaceful spot on a Saturday.

It is not difficult to approach from the Northeast- one follows a winding road that leads to another Schrebergarten- which seem to be abundant on the edge of large industrial sites in Berlin.