Hidroelectrica puts into operation the hydro unit (HA) 5 from Stejaru, after refurbishment

Hidroelectrica announces the reception of the refurbishment works for Hydro Unit No. 5 (HA5) within the Stejaru Hydroelectric Power Plant.

Through refurbishment, HA5’s power increased from 50 MW to 54.126 MW, thus marking important progress in the modernization process of one of Romania’s most important hydroelectric power plants, the company says.

The investment value for HA5 and related installations is 61.7 million lei, of which the actual costs for the retrofitting of the hydropower unit were 51.5 million lei. The work, characterized by high complexity, was carried out by Hidroserv, Hidroelectrica’s support company, which benefits from extensive experience of over 55 years in the hydropower field.

“We recall that in 2020, HA 6 was refurbished, also achieving an increase in installed power to 54.126 MW. The Stejaru Hydropower Plant, with an initial installed capacity of 210 MW, is in the midst of a modernization process, which includes the replacement of old equipment and the implementation of innovative, state-of-the-art technologies. After the commissioning of HA6 and HA5, the installed power of the Stejaru HPP is 218.25 MW, which will increase in the future by refurbishing the four vertical Francis turbines, which currently have a power of 27.5 MW,” the company says.

“The completion of the refurbishment works of Hydro Unit 5 at Stejaru HPP represents for Hidroelectrica a significant step forward in our process of modernizing and streamlining production capacities.

This complex project reconfirms our commitment to invest in Romania’s strategic energy infrastructure, using the latest technologies to ensure performance, reliability and sustainability. The increase in HA5’s installed capacity to 54,126 MW directly contributes to strengthening Hidroelectrica’s position as a leader in green energy production in Romania.

We are aware of the importance of these projects not only for our company, but also for the national energy system. The modernization of Stejaru HPP is not only an investment in an existing asset, but also an investment in the energy future of our country.

I would like to thank the Hidroelectrica team, our partners and everyone involved for their work, dedication and effort. Through such projects we demonstrate that Hidroelectrica is ready to meet future challenges and actively contribute to a sustainable energy transition, for the benefit of Romania,” said Karoly Borbely, CEO of Hidroelectrica.

Stejaru Hydropower Plant, also known as the “Dimitrie Leonida” Hydropower Plant, is located on the Bistrița River, approximately 15 km from the Izvoru Muntelui Dam. The project began and was completed in the 1950s, and the plant was put into operation in 1960. It is the largest hydroelectric power plant in Romania and a landmark in Romanian hydropower.