The upgrade increased HA5's capacity from 50 MW to 54.126 MW, marking a significant step in modernizing one of Romania's most critical hydroelectric facilities.

The project, valued at approximately €12.4 million, included €10.3 million allocated for retrofitting the hydropower unit. The complex works were carried out by Hidroserv, Hidroelectrica's support company with over 55 years of experience in the hydropower sector.

Previously, in 2020, Hydro Unit No. 6 (HA6) was refurbished, also achieving a capacity increase to 54.126 MW. Initially commissioned in 1960 with a capacity of 210 MW, the Stejaru plant is undergoing extensive modernization, including the replacement of outdated equipment and the adoption of state-of-the-art technologies. With the refurbishment of HA5 and HA6, the plant's installed capacity now stands at 218.25 MW, set to increase further with the planned upgrades of four additional turbines.

Stejaru HPP, also known as the "Dimitrie Leonida" Hydropower Plant, is situated on the Bistrița River, 15 km from the Izvoru Muntelui Dam. Built in the 1950s and operational since 1960, it remains Romania's largest hydroelectric facility and a key landmark in the country's energy landscape.