Vodohospodárska výstavba, state enterprise, opens a modern Information Center at the Gabčíkovo Waterworks on June 27, 2023, which integrates the aim of raising public awareness of environmental issues along with their interactive presentation. We designed the Information Center based on similar projects known from Europe and drew inspiration from the larger project Energoland in Mochovce. The Information Center presents the waterworks and environmental topics in an engaging and playful manner suitable for the youngest visitors, providing a background for a wide range of visitors and offering interesting, not only technical, information about this exceptional location, water and nature, as well as the production of electricity from renewable sources. At the same time, the Information Center expands current options for public access to the Gabčíkovo Waterworks. There is an observation point on the navigation locks from the outside of the control tower, a panoramic view of the structure from the roof of the Information Center, a glass observation deck above the exit from the left navigation lock, and, importantly, a visitor room accessible directly in the power plant.
The main activity of the Information Center is to support environmental and energy education for the public, inform about important and interesting information regarding water and the waterworks, and to present the waterworks and the issue of electricity generation from renewable sources in a playful manner for the youngest. Visitors to the Information Center will find interactive panels that use the latest technologies such as holographic projection, 3D virtual tours, touch information screens, and digital games for children (a navigation lock operator simulator, designing electricity sources from renewable sources for cities) that demonstrate how the Gabčíkovo-Nagymaros Waterworks system operates. Films about the Gabčíkovo Waterworks can be viewed by visitors in the auditorium.
The interactive panels and films are available in four language versions: Slovak, Hungarian, German, and English. Furthermore, the Information Center ensures year-round excursions to the Gabčíkovo and Žilina power plants. Organized groups, schools, and the public can choose from two circuits: a small and a large circuit. The small circuit is conducted only in the Information Center and the auditorium. For the Žilina Waterworks, the small circuit is carried out in the conference room, the main engine hall, and outdoor areas (inlets and outlets). This circuit is suitable for first-grade elementary school students and older individuals. The large excursion circuit takes place in the Information Center, the auditorium in the Gabčíkovo power plant’s machine room, and at the outlets of the hydropower plant and is suitable for second-grade elementary school students, high school and university students, and adult visitors. Expert interpretations are provided in Slovak and Hungarian. Excursions can be requested via email at infocentrum@vvb.sk.
Galéria
