Abstract ID: 3.9321 | Reviewing | Talk/Oral | TBA | TBA

The Harz presents one of the most humid mountain regions in Germany and acts as a water tower for the surrounding mountain forelands. With six large dams in the western Harz, which are operated by the Harzwasserwerke GmbH, the water landscape has been transformed significantly since the 1930s. The dams are multifunctional dams that were built primarily for flood protection and drinking water supply; they also serve to generate electricity, to raise low water levels and for tourist recreation. After dam construction has not been fostered in Germany since the 1980s for primarily ecological reasons, it is discussed again in the light of the energy transition and in adaptation to the effects of climate change with increasing extreme events of drought and flooding. In the W-Harz, the construction and modification of dams and pumped-storage plants is being considered, which must combine distinct interests and planning horizons of different actors. A look into the past shows that the Harz Mountains have been transformed for energy supply since about 2000 years and systematically in the 16th century when the world’s largest energy supply system for mining was created here, the Upper Harz Water Management System, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage in the Harz. The study aims to show how energy demands have changed the mountain landscape over time and what can be learned from the past for future action.