Romanian Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja has affirmed that Romania will not make any concessions regarding the production of electricity at the Djerdap 1 and 2 hydroelectric power plants, known as Iron Gates 1 and 2. This statement comes as Serbia plans to build a new hydroelectric plant on the Danube, Djerdap 3, downstream from the existing plants, which could potentially reduce energy production at Iron Gates 1 and 2.
Burduja emphasized that Iron Gate 1 is a crucial component of Romania’s energy infrastructure, requiring ongoing modernization investments to maintain stability and efficiency. He stressed that Hidroelectrica, Romania’s main electricity producer, is committed to producing safe, green energy competitively. The feasibility study for Đerdap 3, a potential pumped-storage facility in Serbia, has raised concerns about its impact on Romania’s existing hydroelectric infrastructure.
Burduja noted that although the Serbian side, in cooperation with the American company Bechtel, has conducted a preliminary study, Romania will not compromise on the production capacity of its hydroelectric plants. The Romanian Ministry of Energy underscored the need for extensive discussions on any projects that might significantly affect the environment and navigation.
Romania and Serbia previously collaborated on the construction of Đerdap 1 and Đerdap 2, which remain significant for Romania’s energy production. Đerdap 1, operational since 1972, is one of the largest hydrotechnical structures on the Danube, with an installed power capacity of 1,166.4 MW and a yearly production of approximately 5.4 TWh. It plays a key role in Romania’s energy system, providing about 10% of the country’s annual consumption.
Romania plans substantial investments in modernization and capacity diversification over the next four years, focusing on sustainability and innovation. The Hidroelectrica company has allocated €1.4 billion for these efforts, including upgrades to transformers and other infrastructure.
Serbia’s Đerdap 3 project, proposed since the 1980s, aims to be a reversible hydroelectric plant located at the 1007th kilometer of the Danube. It will include reservoirs with a total capacity of 578 million cubic meters, designed to provide an energy reserve for critical periods in the power grid.
