Hydroelectric Power Plant in Rutki

The hydroelectric power plant in Rutki, launched in October 1910, is the highest-positioned power plant on the Radunia River and the second of its kind in the region. Built under the initiative of Kartuzy County, it initially supplied power to local areas. In the 1920s, it was connected to the 60 kV Gródek–Wybrzeże line, enabling the transmission of electricity to the rapidly developing city of Gdynia and supporting the construction of the port and the city. From the outset, the Rutki power plant was designed as a run-of-river facility with storage. It is equipped with two hydropower units featuring horizontally mounted Francis turbines (with dual rotors) directly coupled to synchronous generators, each with a capacity of 280 kVA. The turbines operate under a head of 11.97 meters, with a total flow rate of 6 m³/s and a catchment area of 310 km². Many of the original technical elements of the plant are still in operation, preserving its historical infrastructure despite multiple modernizations, which have mainly focused on the switchgear and control systems. In response to increasing energy demands, a six-cylinder diesel engine with 500 HP and a unique synchronous generator with a rotating stator was installed in 1927. Although this unit was decommissioned in the 1950s, the generator was moved to the Struga power plant, where it remained operational until 2014. The Rutki power plant survived World War II with minimal damage and resumed electricity production in 1945. In 2011, modernization of the generating section was initiated, with the goal of preserving the historical appearance of the hydropower units. In 2015, restoration of the historic generating unit with the original diesel engine and generator was completed. Work is ongoing on a permanent exhibit of the vintage control equipment and measurement instruments mounted on original marble panels. Part of the exhibit is already open to visitors, allowing them to explore the rich history of this unique power plant.