The Lower Vistula Cascade

Abstract

This article outlines the development and modifications of the Lower Vistula Cascade concept in order to meet changing requirements for utilisation of the river for power generation and navigation purposes. In the years 1957–1993 the Lower Vistula Cascade concept was modified in order to achieve the maximum power generation capacity (an example was the high efficiency of the hydropower station at the Włocławek Barrage, built in 1970 as the first and so far the only barrage of the proposed cascade). In the 1990s the potential economic benefits of the Vistula River management were re-evaluated in favour of natural and landscape merits, and another multi-variant modification of the Lower Vistula Cascade concept was carried out applying the principles of sustainable development and environmental protection. The analysis of the cascade variants considered in 1999 led to the conclusion that there is no justification for the project implementation, with the exception of the barrage located downstream of Włocławek (Nieszawa- Ciechocinek), the construction of which is essential for the Włocławek Barrage safety.