The 130th anniversary of the first hydroelectric power plant on the Krka River – an exhibition at Skradinski buk waterfall

Exactly 130 years ago today, on August 28, 1895, the Krka hydroelectric power plant was put into operation at Skradinski buk, one of the most significant power plants in the history of energy in Croatia and the world

On this occasion, the Public Institution Krka National Park, in cooperation with the State Archives in Šibenik, has set up an exhibition that will introduce visitors to the historical significance of the undertakings of Ante Šupuk and Vjekoslav Meichsner.

That evening, Šibenik became the first city in the world to have alternating current electric lighting, supplied by the Krka hydroelectric power plant. In addition to public lighting, the electricity from the Krka hydroelectric power plant soon began to be used to power machinery in mills, oil mills, and factories, as well as to light catering establishments and the first households. This created the first complete electric power system in the world based on alternating current, which included the production, transmission, and distribution of electric energy.

“The Krka is not only a natural wonder, but also a place where one of the most important pages of the world’s industrial history was written. The electricity produced here 130 years ago changed civilization, and Šibenik at that moment was at the very forefront of technological progress. We are proud that the Krka National Park, in addition to preserving natural features, also cares about the valorization of the cultural and historical heritage, and allows visitors to experience a part of industrial history at the Skradinski buk waterfalls”, emphasized the director of the Krka National Park, Nella Slavica, and added: “Just as the economic boom of Šibenik at the turn of the century was driven by industrial plants on and around the Krka River, today the development of Šibenik and the Šibenik region is based on the protection and preservation of the natural and cultural heritage of the Krka River as the lifeblood of our beautiful county”.

The industrial architecture on the Krka River bears witness to great technological achievements that have changed the way people live. On the recommendation of the Historical Committee responsible for the preservation and promotion of the engineering heritage, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), on May 20, 2013, included the Krka hydroelectric power plant at Skradinski Buk among the historically most important engineering achievements in the world.

“Today we are not only celebrating an important date from our glorious past, but also the vision and determination of the political leadership of Šibenik at the time, as well as the intellectuals and engineers who had the freedom to do something new and positive. Without the Krka hydroelectric power plant, the development of Šibenik and the entire Šibenik region would not be possible”, said the Šibenik-Knin County Prefect Paško Rakić, and added: “Thanks to this, Šibenik is still successful in the economic context today and has its own perspective in the future. May this courage be a guiding thread for us who bear the executive power, but also for all generations that will come after us.”

Although the old Krka hydroelectric power plant ceased operations in 1913, and the facilities were dismantled during World War I, its remains, still owned by the Šupuk family, can still be seen today at Skradinski Buk, where information panels have been installed.

“At that time, just like today, it was not always easy to accept new ideas. The dominance of alternating current over direct current was a major turning point and therefore was accompanied by great fears. Ante Šupuk displayed courage and introduced the idea to the engineer Meichsner, who accepted it, and in less than two years the Krka hydroelectric power plant was put into operation”, stated Marko Šupuk and added: “The visionary Ante Šupuk was also responsible for many other important achievements, such as the construction of a hospital, but he did not stand still on the political front either, as he saw that Croatian language lessons were introduced into schools. All of this has remained etched in the history of our city, but also beyond”.

The photographic exhibition at the Skradinski buk waterfall is open to all visitors and provides a unique opportunity to learn about the history of the electrification of Šibenik, as well as the role of the Krka River in the development of modern society in Croatia.