Hidroelectrica Defends Livezeni‑Bumbești Hydro Project Amid NGO Criticism

Hidroelectrica said the Livezeni–Bumbești hydro project in the Jiului Gorge complies with current legislation and the environmental permit issued in June 2025, rejecting Bankwatch Romania’s claim that the documents presented to shareholders contain a non‑conforming variant. The company emphasized that the project's documentation reflects the steps needed for continuation and meets all legal and regulatory requirements.

Separately, the activist group Declic demanded that Hidroelectrica disclose the investment strategy behind large hydro schemes such as Răstolița, Surduc‑Siriu and Bumbești Livezeni, arguing that €446 million of public and shareholder funds would raise national electricity output by only about 1 % while upgrading existing plants could add at least 8 %. Hidroelectrica replied that the investments are based on technical, economic, financial, legal and environmental analyses and pledged transparency.

Both issues were raised during the company’s shareholders’ general meeting, where Declic activists presented a position paper and confronted company officials.