The Romanian Ministry of Energy is poised to inaugurate the Răstolița hydropower plant in 2025, marking the first such facility to be commissioned in over 34 years. This 30-megawatt plant, situated in Mureș County and costing more than 200 million euros, signifies the revival of stalled hydropower projects designed to enhance Romania’s energy security and support its environmental objectives. Recently, the government approved the decision for the expropriation corridor necessary for the plant’s construction and operation. Key upcoming steps include finalizing construction, removing the reservoir area from the forest fund, and initiating electricity production.
Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja underscores that completing these long-dormant projects will contribute to a safer, cheaper, and cleaner energy landscape for Romania. The Răstolița project, carried out by state-owned Hidroelectrica, aligns with Romania’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and presents additional benefits, such as better water management and flood prevention. Despite these advantages, there have been concerns raised by environmental organizations regarding the potential ecological impact of the plant. Nonetheless, the project epitomizes a strategic investment in Romania’s sustainable energy infrastructure and a significant step toward meeting the country’s clean energy goals. The success of Răstolița could set a precedent for future hydropower developments and play a crucial role in Romania’s transition to greener energy sources.
