Romania plans to designate its incomplete hydropower projects as matters of national security, according to acting President Ilie Bolojan. Legislation aimed at fast-tracking these developments is expected to be drafted in May.
Many of the projects, stalled for decades, are between 60% and 90% complete, with some dating back to before the 1989 fall of communism. The proposed law would help resolve persistent challenges, including legal disputes, environmental permitting issues, and land use restrictions in protected forest areas.
Bringing these projects online is expected to increase Romania’s hydropower capacity by about 10%, contributing to the country’s energy independence. Romania currently has around 6.6 GW of hydropower capacity out of a total installed generation capacity of about 17 GW. The Supreme Council of National Defense (CSAT) has backed this initiative, recognizing it as a national security priority.
