Hidroelectrica locks in €188.5 million upgrade for Raul Mare Retezat to recover lost hydropower capacity

Romanian hydropower producer Hidroelectrica has signed a major refurbishment agreement for the Raul Mare Retezat hydropower plant, setting in motion a large-scale modernization project designed to bring back lost generating capacity and improve operational performance at one of the country’s key energy assets.

Contract value and winning consortium

The contract is worth €188.5 million excluding VAT. It was awarded to a consortium led by COBRA Instalaciones y Servicios, with Andritz Hydro as a partner, and several Romanian subcontractors also involved in delivering the works.

Procurement timeline and final award

Hidroelectrica said the procurement process started in September 2025 through Romania’s public procurement system, with bids submitted by December 2025. The project’s initial estimated value was €193.3 million, and the final contract was granted after the evaluation phase.

Restoring output at a constrained 335 MW plant

The Raul Mare Retezat facility was originally designed with an installed capacity of 335 MW, but technical limitations have reduced its effective output to around 200 MW for several years. Hidroelectrica stated that the modernization program will recover approximately 135 MW of additional usable capacity, materially increasing the plant’s contribution to Romania’s electricity system.

Broader system benefits and cost implications

Beyond boosting electricity generation, Hidroelectrica said the project is intended to strengthen ancillary services provided to the national grid and support Romania’s energy security. The refurbishment program will involve replacing and modernizing key equipment to improve efficiency, reliability, and operational flexibility, while also reducing long-term maintenance and operating costs.

The company added that the upgraded systems are expected to allow the plant to operate in line with modern technological standards and respond more effectively to changing conditions in the electricity market.