Boilerhouse B Demolished at Kraftwerk Voerde

Today marked another major step in the transformation of the former Kraftwerk Voerde. Boilerhouse B was brought down in a controlled explosion, ending the life of one of the site’s large industrial structures.

I had set up my camera on the opposite side of the Rhine, ready for the blast. When the charges went off, the bang was incredibly loud. Unlike previous controlled demolitions, there were no buildings or trees between us and the explosion—just the open distance across the river. Because of that, we could really feel the shock wave when it reached us.

Within seconds, the massive boilerhouse disappeared into a cloud of dust. Since the power station closed in 2017, the site has been dismantled step by step, and today’s demolition was another striking reminder of how quickly the old Kraftwerk Voerde is disappearing.

For those who have followed the site over the years, it was another impressive and slightly surreal moment—and another farewell to a familiar piece of the industrial skyline.

A Look Back at Kraftwerk Voerde

With more and more of Kraftwerk Voerde disappearing, it is becoming increasingly difficult to imagine just how impressive the complete power station once was. For a look back at the site in its former glory, including its history and photographs from before the major demolitions, take a look at the ⁠Kraftwerk Voerde – Voerde Power Station post on Urban Exploring Europe.