Siemens Energy to replace transformers at Romania’s largest hydropower plant

Hidroelectrica selected Siemens Energy to supply seven 15.75/242 kV transformers of 216 megavolt-amperes each, within the modernization of the Iron Gate 1 hydropower plant on the Danube. It is the largest facility of its kind in Romania.

Fifty five or more years after they were installed, Hidroelectrica is getting new transformers for its Iron Gate 1 hydropower plant. Shared with neighboring Serbia, the facility on the Danube has six units of 194.4 MW apiece on the Romanian side.

The two countries’ state-owned power utilities each run one half of Iron Gate 2 as well. The Iron Gate gorge and hydropower complex are both Porțile de Fier in Romanian. They are called Đerdap in Serbian.

The state-controlled hydropower plant operator has completed the procurement procedure for seven transformers of 216 megavolt-amperes each. Siemens Energy’s Romanian subsidiary submitted the best bid, RON 117.1 million (EUR 23 million) excluding value-added tax. It compares to the planned RON 118.3 million.

Siemens Energy will have a 62-month contract for the task, with deadlines for each transformer

Porțile de Fier 1 is the country’s biggest hydroelectric system. The transformers tender was conducted within Hidroelectrica’s comprehensive modernization and maintenance program, which it called it a strategic priority.

The company is ensuring the reliability of its facilities to increase operational efficiency and maintain the highest safety standards in the pursuit of vital energy objectives for Romania’s electricity system, said President of the Board of Directors Bogdan Badea. “We continue to invest in modern technologies and in projects that directly contribute to Romania’s energy security”, he stated.

Siemens Energy will have a 62-month contract for the task, with deadlines for each 15.75/242 kV transformer. The first one is 18 months. The engineering giant would need to deliver the seventh one in 58 months.

Iron Gate 1 usually generates 4 TWh to 5 TWh per year. The utility intends to extend its operating life by 30 years. The existing transformers were designed and manufactured by Electroputere Craiova.

Hidroelectrica refurbished the turbines between 2000 and 2007.

Serbia’s state-owned Elektroprivreda Srbije completed the revitalization of its half, Đerdap 1, in 2023.