The School of Mining, Energy and Materials Engineering of Oviedo has a unique exhibition piece from this month on. It is a turbine from the hydraulic power plant of La Malva, which has been restored and donated by EDP, owner of the facility.

An impeller or turbine is the driving machine of a hydroelectric power station. Through some "spoons" located in its contour, the force of the water causes its rotation, converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. The piece donated by EDP is of the Pelton type, one of the most efficient in hydraulic installations that have a large waterfall, as is the case of La Malva.

The impeller was in operation from the start of the hydraulic power station in 1917 until 2013, when it was replaced by a new, more efficient Pelton runner. Made of steel, it has a diameter of 1.83 meters and weighs 4,300 kilograms.

The piece can be visited at any time of the day, since it is located outside the School. The director of the School, Francisco Blanco, attended the presentation of the installation; the director of Hydraulic Power Plants of EDP España, Emilio Fernández; and the person in charge of the hydraulic power plant of La Malva, Benigno Menéndez.

Blanco indicated that "it is a satisfaction for the School to host a real Pelton turbine in its garden, which apart from being able to be contemplated by the general public, will serve as an aid for the training of the students who study the subjects related to Energy of the degree in Mining Engineering. We are very grateful to EDP for the donation of a piece of great historical value, didactic and that is a unique element of Asturian industrial heritage. "

On the other hand, Emilio Fernandez has affirmed that "it is a pride that the School exposes this piece, that is a very important part of the industrial history of Asturias and of EDP España. This impeller has allowed the generation of electricity for almost 100 years in La Malva, the first major power generation plant in the region. "

La Malva, in Somiedo, is one of EDP's hydraulic power plants in Spain. Since the celebration of its centenary last year, the company offers free guided tours to all people interested in knowing its operation and history. In this last year, more than 3,000 people got to know the plant, which houses a historical exhibition, machine tools of the twentieth century and a simulator of the process of starting and stopping the four groups of the installation. Visits can be arranged through here(in spanish).