Hidroelectrica signs Vidraru Refurbishment contract

Green Forum
Hidroelectrica has signed a contract for the refurbishment of the Vidraru Hydropower Site (AHE Vidraru). The contract, valued at €188 million (excluding VAT), was awarded through an open tender and involves a consortium led by ELECTROMONTAJ, in partnership with Koncar – Engineering Co. Ltd. for production and services, with BUTAN GRUP as a subcontractor. 

The refurbishment works are scheduled to be completed within 84 months.

AHE Vidraru, with an installed capacity of 220 MW, is situated on the right bank of the Arges River, in a cavern 104 meters below river level. It produces 409 GWh/year of electricity, leveraging the hydropower potential of the Vidraru reservoir, and plays a role in frequency-power regulation within the National Energy System, along with providing ancillary services.

The refurbishment aims to achieve several objectives and benefits:

  • Increase the active power of each hydro aggregate from 55 MW to at least 58.8 MW, while maintaining a maximum discharge flow of 22.5 cubic meters/second per unit (90 cubic meters/second total for the plant).
  • Enhance the efficiency of the hydro aggregates and overall site.
  • Boost performance and return on investment beyond initial levels.
  • Improve the reliability, availability, and safety of all equipment and installations at the Vidraru site, ensuring the quality and volume of ancillary services provided.
  • Implement a centralized monitoring and control system at Hidroelectrica's Dispatch Center (DHA) and the National Dispatch Center (DEN) to increase operational flexibility and monitoring efficiency.
    Prepare the equipment and installations for a new operational life cycle.
RECOMMENDED
EU approves €436 million aid for hydrogen in Austria and Lithuania
Finance

EU approves €436 million aid for hydrogen in Austria and Lithuania

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €400 million Austrian State aid scheme, and a €36 million Lithuanian State aid scheme, to support the production of renewable hydrogen through the European Hydrogen Bank's “Auctions-as-a-Service” tool for the auction closing in 2025.

RECOMMENDED FROM THE HOME PAGE
Industry

Lidl Romania exceeds 2030 sustainability targets early

Lidl Romania has published its eighth sustainability report for the 2024 financial year, announcing accelerated progress in reducing environmental impact. The retailer has achieved its international 2030 target for transitioning to natural refrigerants, with these now used in 100% of logistics centres and 81.7% of stores, compared to the original goal of 100% of logistics centres and 40% of stores. The company has also increased its green energy usage to 80% of total consumption.

Energy

Dentons advises OX2 on 235 MW Romanian wind acquisition

Global law firm Dentons has advised OX2 on acquiring three wind power projects totaling 235 MW in Romania from Future Power. The projects, located in Vaslui and Vrancea counties, are expected to be commissioned between 2028 and 2030, subject to permitting.

Energy

Turkish investors pour millions into Romanian green energy

Romania is emerging as a key destination for Turkish renewable energy investments, attracting growing interest from industrial and financial groups. Real grid connection opportunities for projects, infrastructure modernisation potential, and investment framework stability make Romania strategic for Turkish capital as Europe accelerates its transition to sustainable sources and energy independence.

Business

Cost remains main driver and biggest barrier in sustainability

51% of Romanian entrepreneurs see sustainability as a way to reduce operational costs, yet the same proportion say implementation is too expensive, according to a new study by BRD Groupe Société Générale. Conducted among micro and small-to-medium enterprises, the research outlines how Romanian entrepreneurs perceive the opportunities and challenges of transitioning to sustainable business models.

READ MORE
Green Forum  |  11 December, 2025 at 11:36 AM