EDP completes El Bayu’s refurbishment
It has invested 80 000 euros in works for the chimney’s restoration and the area’s refurbishment
The restoration works of El Bayu’s chimney have ended. EDP, owner of the former industrial installation, has invested 80 000 euros in its restoration, as well as in the refurbishment and the improvement of the environment where it is found, an area of 144 quadrat meters located on the vicinity of Nora’s route, on the outskirts of Pola de Siero.
In order to restore the chimney, 26 meters high, 4 500 solid ceramic bricks were needed. To favor its conservation and avoid the emergence of vegetation, the company applied consolidating and water-repellent materials on all its surfaces. Moreover, it carried out a drainage to protect the foundation.
To perform the work, EDP has counted with a local company, Construcciones JCN, that has carried out the main rehabilitation tasks, as well as the removal of the remains of the adjacent building. The perimeter of this building is currently visible, offering a view of its floor plan.
Above the area, the company has installed an informative panel, which tells the story of this former “light factory”, which was the name of the thermal power plant of El Boladro.
The society ELSINOSA (Electrician of Siero and Noreña) was the promotor of this installation, constructed between 1900 and 1901. From this installation probably came the first kilowatt hours that lighted up Pola de Siero, when the electricity supply began in 1901.
1947, the plant was acquired by Hidroeléctrica del Cantábrico (today EDP) and kept functioning until the 50s. From this moment and until 1993, the installation was destined to the electric energy distribution in Siero’s area, such as Valdesoto, Venta la Salve, San Miguel or El Berrón.
With this refurbishment work, EDP strengthens its commitment with Siero’s council, where, apart from preserving this singular element, it carries out the activities of distribution and commercialization of energy and service for households and enterprises. Furthermore, it was the council chosen by the company to develop the project InovCity, that turned Pola de Siero into one of the first Asturian cities to have different technological developments, like the new remotely managed meters or recharging points for electric vehicles.