Hidroelectrica’s First Floating Photovoltaic Panel Installation Project
Hidroelectrica announced on June 26, 2025, the award of the contract for the turnkey construction of the floating photovoltaic panels system within the ‘Nufărul Pilot Project’. This investment marks a first for the company, as it is Hidroelectrica’s first floating photovoltaic panel installation project.
The project represents an important step in the company’s strategy to diversify its renewable energy sources and make efficient use of existing infrastructure.
The public procurement was initiated through an open tender, with an estimated value of RON 47,204,008.25 excluding VAT. Two economic operators submitted bids for the procedure, and the award criterion was “best value for money.”
The winning bid, worth RON 39,250,000.00 excluding VAT, belongs to Waldevar Energy, which will benefit from the support of subcontractors and third-party supporters: Marine Research, DHI-SW Project and Makor Energy Solutions. The project implementation period is 14 months, of which the duration of the works is 10 months.
The purpose of the investment for the “Floating photovoltaic panel system – Nufarul Pilot Project” is to create new electricity generation capacity through a photovoltaic power plant located on the water surface of one of the reservoirs managed by SPEEH Hidroelectrica SA.
The objectives of a floating photovoltaic power plant (FPP) are related to:
- Achieving additional electricity production capacity from renewable sources
- Diversification of Hidroelectrica’s production portfolio
- Capitalizing on the water surface potential of reservoirs
- Improving the efficiency of the operation and utilization of the electricity produced as a result of the synergy between the use of solar and hydro production capacity at the site
- Building up know-how on the development and operation of solar capacities
- Replication of the concept and solutions used in this project in other hydropower developments.
The floating photovoltaic plant will be located in southern Romania, in Olt County, on the reservoir serving the Ipotesti Hydropower Plant, operated by Hidroelectrica.
Turnkey execution works are envisaged for the investment objective, including technical design, equipment procurement, assembly and installation works, testing, and commissioning.
The photovoltaic system consists of 620 Wp photovoltaic panels, 100 kW inverters and energy optimizers, with a total installed power of 10 MW and energy production of approximately 13.4 GWh/year. The connection to the National Energy System will be made through 4 substations connected to the existing electrical station of the Ipotesti Hydropower Plant.
The works themselves involve:
- Installation of double-sided photovoltaic panels with high moisture resistance
- Implementing modular structures made of HDPE (high-density polyethylene) or innovative sustainable solutions
- Anchoring solutions for stabilization and adaptation to water level variations
- Electrical configuration
- Inverters and optimized cabling system for loss reduction
- Solution for integration with the national grid
- Automation and monitoring.
With extensive experience in the field of power plant operation, the beneficiary’s technical staff will be involved in both the implementation and technical operation phases, which is extremely important for the proper functioning of the photovoltaic plant.
The company thus reaffirms its commitment to the promotion of renewable energies and the modernization of production infrastructure, in line with the national strategy of transition to a green and sustainable economy.
Hidroelectrica is the largest green energy producer in Romania and provides technological services essential for the National Energy System. The company operates 188 power plants with a hydropower capacity of 6.4 GW, and, in addition, it owns a wind farm in Crucea, with an installed power of 108 MW.
Waldevar is a leading general contractor in the renewable energy sector in Europe, specializing in the design, delivery, installation, testing, and commissioning of large-scale photovoltaic projects. As a full-service EPC (Engineering, Procurement & Construction) contractor with dedicated O&M, SCADA, and floating photovoltaic (FPV) divisions, Waldevar manages every stage of the project lifecycle—from specialized studies and design to execution, commissioning, operation, and maintenance.
With over 1.5 GW of energy assets completed or under development in Romania and Europe, a team of over 1000 in-house experts and a fleet of over 200 specialized machines and equipment, Waldevar offers fast, integrated and high-quality solutions for complex energy projects.
