Romanian Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja has reiterated that Romania will not compromise on the electricity production levels at its hydropower plants, Djerdap 1 and 2 (Portile de Fier I and II). This statement comes as Serbia plans to build a new pump-storage hydropower plant, Djerdap 3, downstream of these existing plants, which could impact their electricity output.
Minister Burduja emphasized that Portile de Fier I is a critical component of Romania’s energy infrastructure, and ongoing modernization investments are essential for maintaining its stability and efficiency. Hidroelectrica remains a key partner in Romania’s efforts to produce safe, green energy at competitive prices.
The Djerdap 3 project is currently in the feasibility study phase, with Serbia collaborating with the US company Bechtel to assess the investment and potential effects on the existing hydropower plants. Romania is closely monitoring these developments to ensure that the production capabilities of Djerdap 1 and 2 are not adversely affected.
While acknowledging the importance of Djerdap 3 as a pump-storage facility for balancing services, Romania will not make any concessions regarding the electricity production from its two existing hydropower plants on the Danube, according to Minister Burduja.
The Djerdap 3 project, initially proposed in the 1980s following the completion of Djerdap 2, aims to build a pump-storage plant at the 1007th kilometer of the Danube River. The project plans to pump water from Djerdap Lake into the upper reservoirs of Pesac and Brodice, with a combined capacity of 578 million cubic meters, providing an energy reserve of approximately 484 GWh. Djerdap 3 is envisioned to be developed in three phases, with a total installed capacity of 2,400 MW.
