Askala hydroelectric power plant 90 years

The Paimio Electricity Museum's 2026 theme exhibition, Askala Hydropower Plant 90 Years, explores the history of the Askala Hydropower Plant on the Paimiojoki River from the 1930s to the 2000s. The exhibition also introduces visitors to Askala's nature and environment.

The Askala Power Plant was built by the Varsinais-Suomen Sähköyhtiö company in 1935–1936. Since then, it has been one of three power plants on the Paimiojoki River. The other two are Juva and Juntola power plants. All three power plants still produce electricity and are currently owned by Koskienergia Oy. The power plant's 90-year history has seen a lot. Wartime increased the power plants' electricity production, and the major floods of the 1960s were inevitable. In the 1970s, the power plants were connected to a remote control system, which made maintenance of the power plants easier. In the 1990s, attention was paid to the nature surrounding the power plant. Prehistoric plants still grow in the Askala field. The field is a nature reserve and is protected by the European Union.

The photo-focused exhibition on the third floor of the museum contains many images from the Electricity Museum's own collection. Some of the images are from private collections. In addition, the exhibition features the video Hydropower in Southwest Finland, completed in 2014. It connects the Askala power plant to the regional development of electricity production.

The exhibition on the second floor, which presents electricity production and the Lounais-Suomen Sähköosakeyhtiö, offers more comprehensive information about the operation of hydropower plants. The main exhibition on the middle floor of the museum also features a rare Selco-1000 computer that has been connected to Askala and has been used in the remote control of the Paimionjoki power plant.

The exhibition was created by museum intern Jade Torittu, museum employee Tomas Tamminen, and managing director Jouni Lehtiranta with the help of museum volunteers and partners.

The exhibition is open to the public from June 3rd until next spring.