The paper mill in Pforzheim operated its own power and steam plant, which was essential for the production process of the factory known as Papierfabrik Weißenstein GmbH. Paper manufacturing requires large amounts of heat and energy, particularly for drying the paper after it leaves the pressing section of the machines.

To meet this demand, the factory complex included a dedicated boiler house and power plant. Large industrial steam boilers produced high-pressure steam that was distributed throughout the plant via an extensive network of pipes. This steam was used to power turbines, generate electricity, and heat the drying cylinders used in the paper machines.

The facility originally operated with coal-fired boilers, which were common in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Over time, the system was modernized and adapted to more efficient fuels such as oil or gas. Water from the nearby river was also used in the industrial process and for cooling systems connected to the energy plant.

When the paper mill closed its doors in 2001, the power plant was shut down as well.