Hidroelectrica Invests €190 Million in Râul Mare Retezat

Why this is here: The Râul Mare Retezat plant currently operates at approximately 200 megawatts, despite having an installed capacity of 335 megawatts.

Hidroelectrica, Romania’s largest power producer, signed a €188.4 million contract to modernize the Râul Mare Retezat Hydroelectric Power Plant. The state-owned company initiated the procurement process last year, aiming to improve production capacity and efficiency.

The project involves replacing key electromechanical equipment and implementing modern technologies. A consortium led by COBRA INSTALACIONES Y SERVICIOS S.A., alongside Andritz Hydro GmbH and several subcontractors, will carry out the work. Currently operating at about 200 megawatts due to technical limitations, the plant has an installed capacity of 335 megawatts.

This modernization should recover roughly 135 megawatts of available power. Hidroelectrica expects the upgrades to increase production, improve system services for the national energy system, and strengthen Romania’s energy security. The project’s approval date was April 28, 2026, leaving several years for completion and testing.

Work continues to fully restore the plant’s potential and integrate it into the modern energy market.