Romania’s Tarnita-Lapustesti pump-storage hydropower project is gaining traction following a partnership between Hidroelectrica and EDF. This collaboration aims to develop a 1,000 MW facility, marking a significant advancement in the revitalization of one of Romania’s most ambitious energy infrastructure initiatives.
The joint venture will see both Hidroelectrica and EDF Power Solutions International each holding a 50% stake. The operational and governance framework will be defined by a shareholders’ agreement, establishing the new entity’s responsibility for the development and operation of the pump-storage plant.
Government studies have previously underscored the project’s potential benefits, including enhanced system stability, rapid reserve capacity, frequency regulation, and improved integration of variable renewable energy sources. Additionally, the facility is anticipated to bolster Romania’s position within the European single electricity market by improving network reliability and operational security.
Interest in the HPP Tarnita-Lapustesti has surged amid ongoing discussions regarding large-scale energy storage solutions. Previous negotiations involved EDF, Japanese company Itochu, and Romanian authorities. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has also played a role by supporting preliminary studies focused on financing large-scale storage options, including pump-storage projects.
The facility is strategically located approximately 30 kilometers from Cluj-Napoca along the Somes River. Originally proposed in 1979, its completion would position it as Romania’s largest pumped-storage hydropower plant, significantly enhancing the nation’s energy flexibility and storage capabilities.
