For over 400 years the falls provided the energy to drive the wheels of industry, from the manufacture of copper in 1584 to the later tinplate works. It has also been visited by famous artists, such as Turner in 1796. The site today houses a unique hydroelectric scheme which has been developed to harness the waters of the River Dulais. The Turbine House provides access to an interactive computer, fish pass, observation window and display panels. Special lifts have been installed to allow disabled visitors access to the upper levels, which afford excellent views of the Falls. The waterwheel is the largest currently used in Europe to generate electricity, which makes Aberdulais Falls self-sufficient in environmentally friendly energy.