Hidroelectrica signed today, 21 May 2026, the refurbishment contract for Râul Mare Retezat Hydropower Plant, a strategic project aimed at modernizing and improving the efficiency of the company’s generation capacities, with a total value of 188.5 million euros, excluding VAT.

The procurement procedure was initiated through the publication of the tender documentation in SEAP on 22 September 2025, with the deadline for submission of bids set for 10 December 2025. The contract was initially estimated at 193.3 million euros, excluding VAT. Following the evaluation process, the contract was awarded to the consortium formed by Andritz Hydro GmbH (consortium member) and COBRA INSTALACIONES Y SERVICIOS S.A. (consortium leader), together with subcontractors LAS PROM S.R.L., GD Mașini de Ridicat, Compania de Consultanță în Energie și Mediu S.A., Electric Total S.R.L., ARIS Engineering S.R.L. and Electromontaj Carpați S.A..

Although the plant has had an installed capacity of 335 MW since commissioning, it has operated, for technical reasons, at approximately 200 MW, the restrictions being generated by the limitations of the existing equipment. Through the refurbishment project, approximately 135 MW of genuinely available capacity will be recovered and integrated into operation, significantly contributing to the increase of generation capacity, the improvement of system services provided to the National Power System and the strengthening of Romania’s energy security.

The refurbishment aims to recover installed capacity and increase energy efficiency, improve the reliability and availability of the facilities, reduce operating costs and maintain the plant’s strategic role within the National Power System. The new equipment will enable operation under safe and high performance conditions, in line with current technological standards and the flexibility requirements of the energy market.