Transformer

Transfo is a former power plant. It first supplied electricity in 1911 and remained in use until 2001. The municipality of Zwevegem bought the site in 2004 for a symbolic euro and is now working on the redevelopment. Perhaps the most spectacular project is the reconversion of the oil tank: it will serve as a training ground for deep-sea divers.

Zwevegem is one of the first Belgian municipalities to see the benefits of electricity. In April 1911, the municipal administration joined forces with the Société de l'Electricité de l'Ouest de la Belgique and already in October a small installation supplied the first electricity: enough for 85 light bulbs.

The plant is constantly expanding and reaches its peak power shortly after World War II. It is located on the Bossuit-Kortrijk Canal, so it easily touches coal and cooling water.

In 1946, the plant also began to supply steam for industrial purposes and for heating public buildings and private houses. A kind of central heating, so to speak, but for an entire municipality.

Because the site could not expand further, a new power station was put into operation in Ruien in 1958. 'Den elentriek' in Zwevegem still serves as a reserve unit and as a steam producer until 2001.

In 1999 the site is protected as a village view. The municipality of Zwevegem is now working on giving it a new purpose, with space for habitation, conferences and events, culture and adventure sports. Transfo is a valuable industrial heritage, not only because of its architecture, but also because of its unique collection of turbines.

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