Inter-ministerial review of Đerdap 3
Romanian authorities are conducting a comprehensive review of the proposed Đerdap 3 pumped-storage hydropower project, also referred to as Iron Gates 3. The review is described as inter-ministerial and covers economic viability, environmental impact, and potential effects on Romania’s electricity system. Romanian officials said the country remains generally supportive of the initiative, while no final decision has been reached.
The assessment comes as attention returns to a scheme that has been discussed for decades but has not yet moved into the construction phase. The renewed focus follows a call for expressions of interest launched by the US Embassy in Belgrade, aimed at attracting international participation in the project.
Planned capacity and integration with renewables
The project is planned as a large-scale pumped-storage facility on the Danube River. It would have an installed capacity of approximately 2,400 MW, with a possibility to integrate an additional 400 MW of renewable energy sources, including wind and solar power. Current estimates put the investment value at around €2.6 billion, with full completion targeted for 2038.
Serbia and Romania are set to cooperate on the development, which has drawn debate on both sides of the border. Discussions have included its potential role in energy storage and grid balancing needs, alongside concerns about possible environmental consequences.
Interaction with Iron Gates hydropower assets
Romanian institutions are focusing on how a new facility could affect the operation of existing Iron Gates I and Iron Gates II hydropower plants. These assets are jointly managed by Serbia and Romania for decades, and any operational impact is described as a key factor in the ongoing assessment.
Interest from major international companies has been reported over the years, including Bechtel, which took part in preparatory technical studies and early development activities. As regional electricity systems seek large-scale energy storage solutions to support growing renewable capacity, Đerdap 3 is being considered within that context.
The decision-making process is expected to remain lengthy and detailed due to technical complexity, environmental sensitivity, and cross-border coordination requirements.
