EL PAPEL DE LOS MOLINOS HIDRÁULICOS EN LA ELECTRIFICACIÓN INICIAL DE LA PROVINCIA DE VALENCIA

Abstract

Milling industry played an important role not only in the beginning of the Valencian electrical industry but also in its industrial growth. The energy obtained from a hydraulic waterfall was far affordable than coal, so the conversion of wheat flour and rice mills to electricity factories spread across, while they become popularly called as "light mills". The Silla's Molino Grande (Silla Big Mill) is one of the first examples, although there were many others and in all Valencian watersheds. All the energy obtained was used in lighting both, the mill itself and the town where it was located. It was important that its location was close to the population, as the first facilities were made in low voltage and energy losses in transportation soared with distance. These conversions allowed local development of electric technology opening the market on the side of consumption and also in generation and transport. This paper analyses the historical development of this technology and facilities and the momentum they caused in the process of early electrification of the Valencia province.