Romanian electricity producer Hidroelectrica has advanced one of its key hydro investments by launching a tender for works at Nehoiașu II hydropower plant and the associated upgrade of the 110 kV transformer station within the Surduc-Siriu scheme. The project forms part of the company’s broader strategy to expand renewable generation and strengthen Romania’s national electricity system.
The contract is valued at roughly 49.5 million euros, excluding VAT, and will be awarded on a turnkey basis. It covers the full scope of delivery, from technical design and manufacturing to transport, installation, testing, commissioning, and staff training. According to Hidroelectrica, implementation is expected to take 44 months.
The planned works will take place within the Surduc-Siriu hydropower development area, spanning parts of Buzău, Vrancea, and Covasna counties. The company considers the project a critical step in unlocking additional hydropower potential on the Buzău River, while also improving the performance and responsiveness of the national electricity system.
The investment includes installation of a full hydro unit, comprising the turbine, generator, and related automation and protection systems, along with auxiliary hydromechanical equipment. The project also covers the expansion of the existing high-voltage substation, as well as the integration of SCADA, communications, and security systems. Company officials emphasized that the development will enhance balancing capacity and increase system flexibility, while supporting Hidroelectrica’s strategy of modernizing and diversifying its generation portfolio.
Completion of HPP Nehoiașu II is considered essential for finalizing the broader Surduc-Nehoiașu hydropower cascade, one of the most important unfinished projects in Hidroelectrica’s investment pipeline.
The tender will be evaluated using a quality-to-price approach rather than focusing solely on cost, with technical performance, guaranteed operating parameters, and warranty conditions all factoring into the final selection.
Hidroelectrica remains Romania’s largest producer of renewable electricity, operating 188 hydropower plants with a combined installed capacity of 6.4 GW, in addition to the Crucea wind farm, which contributes another 108 MW. The company also maintains a leading position in Romania’s retail electricity market by customer base.
