A strong fire affected the transformer related to hydro unit number 5 at the Portile de Fier Hydropower Plant, the fire being extinguished during the evening by the fire brigade, according to a statement from Hidroelectrica.

“Today, 01.02.2024, around 8.30 p.m., an incident took place at the Portile de Fier Hydropower Plant, where a fire broke out at the transformer related to the hydro unit number 5. The fire brigades intervened promptly, and at this time the fire was successfully extinguished. We note that there were no human casualties as a result of this event. For safety, the emergency vehicles will remain present in the area until any potential risks have been completely eliminated,” the release states.

Production was affected for several hours.

“For precautionary reasons and to facilitate the intervention of the firefighters, the groups adjacent to the one where the incident occurred, namely HA4 and HA6, were temporarily stopped. They are in the process of restarting and will be back in operation as soon as the safety conditions are 100% met.

An assessment of the damage will be carried out during the morning, and then all necessary measures will be taken to repair and restore normal working conditions. In these moments, the safety of employees and the community is a priority for Hidroelectrica and all efforts will be made to minimize the impact of this incident on the production side.”

The operation of the national energy system was not affected by the incident, the statement also reveals.