Hidroelectrica announces the reception of the refurbishment works for Hydro Unit No. 5 (HA5) within the Stejaru Hydroelectric Power Plant. Through refurbishment, the power of HA5 has increased from 50 MW to 54.126 MW, thus marking an important progress in the modernization process of one of the most important hydropower plants in Romania.

The investment value for HA5 and the related installations is 61.7 million lei, of which the actual costs for the refurbishment of the hydro unit were 51.5 million lei. The works, characterized by high complexity, were 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. 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 CHE Stejaru is 218.25 MW, which will increase in the future through the retrofitting of the four vertical Francis turbines that currently have a power of 27.5 MW.

“The completion of the retrofitting works of Hydroaggregate 5 at CHE Stejaru represents a significant step forward for Hidroelectrica in our process of modernization and streamlining of production capacities.

This complex project reconfirms our commitment to investing 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 consolidating 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”, says Karoly Borbely, CEO of Hidroelectrica.

“Stejaru Hydropower Plant, one of Romania’s most important energy objectives. We are proud that we are progressing very well with the large investment works, which significantly contribute both to securing Hidroelectrica’s portfolio and to ensuring the continuity of green energy production for our country. Beyond the difficulties inherent in the implementation of such complex projects, we do not deviate from the central objectives, those of raising performance standards through modern technologies and, equally importantly, of introducing the equipment into a new life and operation cycle,” says Bogdan Badea, CIO 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 hydropower plant in Romania and a landmark in Romanian hydropower.

The Izvoru Muntelui Dam, associated with the hydroelectric power plant, is a concrete dam with a height of 127 meters and a length of 435 meters. The resulting reservoir, also known as Bicaz Lake, has a volume of 1,230 million cubic meters and a surface area of ​​32.6 km², making it the largest artificial lake in Romania.