On August 5, 2024, the Minister of Energy, Sebastian Burduja, conducted a working visit to the Iron Gates I Hydropower Plant, one of the most important electricity production units in Romania, as stated in a press release from the Hidroelectrica press office.
The Minister of Energy was accompanied by Karoly Borbely, CEO of Hidroelectrica, and branch manager Dragoș Novac. Karoly Borbely presented the main ongoing investment projects as well as the company’s development prospects. The discussions focused on the importance of maintaining a robust and sustainable energy system, the role of hydroenergy in ensuring the country’s energy security, and Hidroelectrica’s contribution to the transition of electricity production to renewable sources.
The officials visited the hydropower plant and discussed ongoing modernization projects aimed at increasing operational efficiency and reducing environmental impact. They also talked about plans to expand production capacities using the latest technologies in renewable energy.
Sebastian Burduja, the Minister of Energy, stated: “Iron Gates I is a pillar of our energy system, and continuous investments in modernizing this infrastructure are essential to ensure stability and efficiency in electricity production. Hidroelectrica remains a strategic partner in achieving Romania’s goals of producing safe, green energy at a competitive price.
We discussed Djerdap 3, a potential pumped storage power plant located in Serbia, currently at a pre-feasibility study level. The Serbian side has worked with the American company Bechtel, which has provided preliminary data on the investment and potential impact on electricity production at Iron Gates I and II. We are very attentive to these investment plans because we do not want to compromise the potential of exploiting existing hydropower plants on the Danube. Being a pumped storage plant, we understand its importance, its role in providing system services, and balancing, but once again, we will not make any compromises on the electricity production at Iron Gates I and II.”
Karoly Borbely, CEO of Hidroelectrica, emphasized: “We are honored by our partnership with government authorities and proud of our company’s significant contribution to Romania’s energy mix. We have ambitious plans for investment in modernizing and diversifying production capacities, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and innovation. Our company has allocated a budget of 1.4 billion euros for modernization, re-technologization, and acquisitions over the next four years.
We have doubled maintenance budgets for each hydropower plant, but you know well that there are procedures and legal deadlines for procurement, and many challenges. However, we are seeking solutions together with the entire Hidroelectrica team.
This year, we have significantly increased the pace of investments throughout the company. We have approved the technical documentation, and soon it will be released on SEAP for the transformers needed at Iron Gates. The procurement value for the high-power transformers at Iron Gates is 119 million lei, with documentation already completed, followed by bidding and implementation by 2028. We are in the final stages of the works on the hydro-generator hub in Reșița and aim to commission HA1 by February 14, 2025.”
The Iron Gates I Hydropower Plant, inaugurated in 1972, is one of the largest hydrotechnical constructions on the Danube River, with an installed capacity of 1,166.4 MW and an annual production capacity of approximately 5.4 TWh. It includes a dam with a length of 1,278 meters and 12 Kaplan turbines (6 of which are operated by Hidroelectrica), and is an essential element in Romania’s energy system, significantly contributing to electricity production and river water management. In an average hydrological year, the Iron Gates I hydropower plant provides about 10% of the national consumption.
Hidroelectrica’s investment budget for the next four years exceeds 1.3 billion euros
Hidroelectrica’s General Director, Karoly Borbely, stated on Monday at Iron Gates I that the company’s investment budget for the next four years is over 1.3 billion euros.
“As you know, the largest hydroelectric power production unit in the country is at Iron Gates. This year, we have significantly increased investments throughout the company, not just at the Iron Gates hydropower plant. This summer has been an extremely busy period in the electricity production sector, especially in hydropower. To perform maintenance work, we have doubled budgets for each plant. Our main goal is to extend the lifespan of hydropower equipment, and 1.3-1.4 billion euros is Hidroelectrica’s investment budget for the next four years, not only for re-technologization, modernization, and maintenance but also for acquisitions,” said Karoly Borbely.
According to company representatives, Hidroelectrica is the largest producer of green electricity in Romania and provides technological services for the National Energy System. The company, essential for a strategic sector with implications for national security, operates 187 plants with a hydropower capacity of 6.3 GW and has a wind farm in Crucea with an installed capacity of 108 MW. Additionally, the company holds a 13.09% share in the supply market.
