Opened in 2002, the Falkirk Wheel transformed how boats travel between two historic canals in central Scotland. The rotating boat lift connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal, which lies about 100 feet higher. Instead of relying on the former flight of 11 locks, the structure uses two water-filled gondolas that rotate to raise and lower vessels. The system was designed to keep the gondolas balanced, allowing the 1,800-tonne structure to operate using just 1.5 kWh for each rotation, according to Scottish Canals. The energy used is commonly compared with that required to boil eight kettles.
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