*The photos are sourced from the museum’s official website and its social media channels.
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The Small Hydroelectric Power Station of Agia, with its beautiful artificial lake, was a groundbreaking project of the 20th century. It beautifully combined technology with the wise use of water resources. It was inaugurated in 1929 by Eleftherios Venizelos, and it was the first hydroelectric project to produce electricity in the region of Chania. The station took advantage of the 4 m difference in altitude of the artificial lake of Agia, with water flowing to the station through a 490 m long pipeline. There, the water used the energy of its fall to spin three pairs of Francis-type turbines, which in turn generated electricity through generators.
During its operation, the station provided electricity to the city of Chania and other neighboring communities at low cost and with no burden on the environment, as it used renewable energy sources. The Small Hydroelectric Power Station of Agia was a real lifesaver for the region, meeting its energy needs until 2005. At first, it was owned by the Municipal Electric Lighting Company of Chania, and then it was passed on to the Greek Public Energy Company.
Today, the Small Hydroelectric Power Station of Agia building is a historical and technological monument. It has been transformed into an exhibition center for renewable energy sources. Its mission is to raise awareness about how important it is to preserve our industrial heritage and support renewable energy sources. The site highlights the scientific, technological, and environmental value of the project, and it attracts visitors interested in the local flora and fauna. The Small Hydroelectric Power Station of Agia and the surrounding area are landmarks for the region, and they’re a place that nature lovers and visitors just can’t miss!
*The photos are sourced from the museum’s official website and its social media channels.
Museum
Science, Natural Environment
10th km. of the road to Chania - Omalos, Theriso
+30 2821601934
Monday – Friday: 09.00 – 14.00
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: On request
The Rural Greece is an online portal that connects travellers with unique destinations and local businesses in the countryside, offering authentic experiences through activities that highlight nature, traditions and culture.
For the Rural Greece accessibility is fundamental to enhancing an inclusive tourism experience. Following the principles of inclusion and equality, the epaithros Rural Tourism Network and its member businesses are constantly working to enhance the tourism services provided, ensuring that all visitors have the opportunity to experience the authentic beauty of the Greek countryside.
Sustainability in tourism refers to a way of developing tourism that respects and protects the environment while strengthening the local economy and preserving cultural traditions. The aim of sustainable tourism is to provide unique and authentic experiences for visitors without harming the natural and social environment, while ensuring that local communities benefit from tourism activity.
This type of tourism is based on three pillars:
With sustainable tourism, visitors can have authentic experiences, knowing that the impact of tourism on the region is positive and lasting for future generations.
For Rural Greece, localism is one of the most important factors for the development of sustainable tourism, as it promotes a strong link between the tourism product and the local society, economy and culture. Through localism, visitors get the opportunity to explore authentic elements of the destination, such as local products, traditions and culture. This not only boosts the local economy, but also helps to sustain and strengthen local businesses, creating new jobs and supporting the development of local communities.
Furthermore, localism contributes to the sustainability of the tourism sector, as it reduces the use of resources from other regions and encourages the use of local goods and services, reducing the ecological footprint of tourism activities. Thus, integrating localism into tourism practices enhances sustainability awareness, both among visitors and local businesses, creating a more responsible and sustainable tourism destination.
