Photo: Andreas Zabel, TVK | Dr. Stephan Bühne, Chairman TVK, Simone Raskob, GBV 6, District Mayor Willi Kohlmann
TVK embarks on a climate-friendly future
Essen, Baldeneysee, September 1, 2025. Yesterday, Sunday, an event took place on the banks of the Baldeneysee lake that will have far-reaching implications beyond the club's boundaries: Turnverein 1877 e.V. Essen-Kupferdreh (TVK) ceremonially christened the first of its two motorboats converted to electric propulsion. The ceremony was conducted by Dr. Stephan Bühne, the club's chairman, together with district mayor Willi Kohlmann. Simone Raskob, head of the Department for Environment, Transport and Sport for the City of Essen, was also present and praised the initiative as groundbreaking for the region.
Electrification as a milestone for water sports
The conversion of the club's boats to electric propulsion marks a significant step towards sustainability. The two boats, which were previously powered by gasoline outboard motors and consumed between 600 and 1,000 liters of fuel annually, are now equipped with modern 12 kW electric motors. These allow for emission-free and virtually silent assistance for water sports enthusiasts during training. This not only protects the environment but also enhances the experience of nature at the lake – a real benefit for athletes, walkers, and wildlife alike.
Solar power as an energy source
Another highlight of the conversion is the climate-neutral energy supply for the new electric motors. The boats' batteries will be charged with electricity from the club's own solar power system. This measure underscores TVK's holistic sustainability concept, which focuses not only on emission-free mobility but also on resource-efficient energy generation. This makes the club a pioneer for environmentally conscious sports operations in the region and demonstrates how modern technology and ecological responsibility can go hand in hand.
Signs of the European Green Capital
In her speech, Simone Raskob emphasized the importance of the project. "With this conversion, the Turnverein 1877 e.V. Essen-Kupferdreh is setting an important example in line with the European Green Capital initiative and making a concrete contribution to environmental protection in our city, and especially here at the Baldeneysee," she said. TVK is thus the first water sports club on the lake to operate its training boats electrically – a role model for other clubs and institutions.
E-mobility on the Baldeneysee
With the conversion of its support boats to electric propulsion, TVK joins the ranks of innovative players on the Baldeneysee. Following the passenger ships of Weisse Flotte Baldeney GmbH, which are already electric, the long-established Kupferdreh association is now also focusing on sustainable mobility. This development shows that even established institutions are willing to actively contribute to achieving climate goals. No information was provided regarding the total costs. The conversion of the passenger ships The costs incurred by Weisse Flotte Baldeney GmbH were therefore not borne by the company itself. Two million euros were reportedly provided by federal funds and one and a half million euros by the city of Essen.
TVK as a catalyst
The boat christening was not only a technical milestone, but also an expression of the club's lived philosophy. TVK combines sporting enthusiasm with social commitment and ecological responsibility. The decision to convert the boat was unanimously approved by the board and made possible through subsidies and the club's own initiative. With this, the club proves that sustainable change is possible even in voluntary work – when vision, will, and community come together. Raskob: "I am very grateful for this exemplary commitment and agree with Dr. Stephan Bühne that this represents an important step towards climate-neutral mobility on the..." Baldeneysee and the Ruhr is being followed.“
