Steam and Power Museum

At the end of the 19th century, the city council of Izegem decided to build a power plant: a revolutionary step, as at that time there were only two power plants operating throughout Belgium. The installations served until 1966. The machine house is now set up as a museum, where you can learn all about steam and electricity.

In 1901, Prince Albert inaugurated the installations - which is why this street is still called Prins Albertlaan. The power plant primarily supplied electricity for street lighting, but families and businesses could also take out a subscription. Two workers were employed, from seven in the morning until half past ten at night. Initially, there was not much interest because electricity was so expensive, but around 1909 that began to change: prices fell, and the industry had an increasing need for electricity.

Electricity was generated using steam engines. A total of 24,000 kilograms of coal were needed daily for this. The coal was brought in via the Roeselare-Leie Canal, which runs behind the power plant. Water was also pumped from the canal. The power plant operated continuously until the mid-fifties; it was occasionally turned on again during peak moments until 1966.

Only the large chimney and the machine house remain from the power plant. The machine house now serves as a museum. You can view a massive tandem compound steam engine from 1936 there. It weighs 110 tons, is unique in Belgium, and was designated as a monument in 1978.

Vl. Toeristisch bezienswaardigheden