The Stejaru Hydroelectric Plant, also known as the Dimitrie Leonida Hydroelectric Plant, marked a new stage in its modernization process on July 24, 2024. Hydro unit no. 5 (HA5), with a capacity of 54.126 MW, has been successfully synchronized with the national energy system, after the completion of the retrofit works and the receipt of the energization notification from Delgaz Grid.

The HA5 refurbishment project was initiated within the framework of a contract concluded between S.P.E.E.H. Hidroelectrica S.A. and the Romelectro – Litostroj Power Doo Association. Afterwards, the renovation works were continued by S.S.H. Hidroserv S.A., following the termination of the initial contract. The value of the works remaining to be executed, carried out by Hidroserv, is approximately 19 million lei.

In order to put it into operation, the project team and contractors coordinate and carry out the mandatory contractual tests, and after the successful completion of these tests, the hydro unit will be received and put into operation according to the schedule established by Hidroelectrica.

With an installed capacity of 210 MW, the Stejaru Hydropower Plant is undergoing an extensive modernization process, which includes the replacement of old equipment and the implementation of state-of-the-art technologies.

“The modernization of the Stejaru Hydroelectric Power Station is essential for increasing efficiency and ensuring the continuity of clean energy production. We focus on the core business, and the re-engineering and commissioning of hydroelectric unit No. 5 represents an important step in the process of securing the already existing assets of Hidroelectrica We want to make sure that all stages are carried out according to the plan and that we use the best practices and technologies available. It is extremely important to maintain a high standard of performance and to actively contribute to Romania’s energy security”, said Karoly Borbely. CEO, Hidroelectrica.

The Stejaru hydropower plant, located on the Bistrița river, approximately 15 km from the Izvoru Muntelui dam, is the largest hydropower plant in Romania and a reference point in Romanian hydropower. Its design began and was completed in the 1950s, and the plant was commissioned in 1960.

The Izvoru Muntelui dam, associated with the hydropower plant, is a concrete dam with a height of 127 meters and a length of 435 meters. The formed reservoir, also known as Lake Bicaz, has a volume of 1,230 million cubic meters and a surface of 32.6 km², being the largest artificial lake in Romania.