Characteristics and economic importance of the Ślesiński Canal

Abstract

The paper presents the main hydrotechnical components of the Ślesiński Canal and major effects resulting from the modernization works performed in the years 2011-2013, which aimed at improving the technical infrastructure of the Canal. The authors assessed the use of the canal for inland navigation. The results of the analysis showed that the Ślesiński Canal is used mainly for inland water tourism – primarily in the northern section of the Canal in the summer holiday season. The Canal constitutes an important element of the cooling system of the Pątnów and Konin power plant, which is considered to be the most significant economic function of the water channel at this time.