Romania has cleared a key regulatory hurdle for the continuation of the Cerna-Motru-Tismana hydropower project after the Ministry of Environment, Waters and Forests approved the environmental permit for the project’s second phase.
According to the Ministry, the approval was based on extensive documentation prepared in accordance with Romanian law and European Union standards. This included a detailed assessment of water body impacts, an appropriate assessment for protected habitats, and a full environmental impact report. These studies supported the selection of a project variant designed to minimize ecological disturbance while meeting both safety and energy objectives.
The approved phase focuses on completing elements of a hydrotechnical system originally authorized in the 1970s. A central goal is to enhance the safety of the Vaja dam at an intermediate elevation, ensuring long-term operational security. Once implemented, the works are expected to increase electricity output by optimizing operations at HPP Clocotiș, while also strengthening flood protection for downstream communities. The chosen design also removes artificial barriers along the Tismana river, restoring longitudinal and lateral connectivity and supporting healthier aquatic ecosystems.
Environmental protection measures have been incorporated into both the construction phase and the future operation of the facilities, including monitoring and mitigation requirements. The Ministry emphasized that public consultations and stakeholder participation, including formal hearings, contributed to shaping the final technical solution, which represents a scientifically grounded compromise balancing energy, safety, and environmental considerations.
