Romania and Serbia sign memorandum to advance Djerdap 3 hydroelectric project on the Danube

Romania’s interim government approved the negotiation and signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Republic of Serbia on the Djerdap 3 (Porțile de Fier 3) pumped‑storage hydroelectric project on the Danube. The agreement designates interim prime minister and energy minister Ilie‑Gavril Bolojan as Romania’s lead negotiator and signer. The MoU aims to facilitate information exchange, improve regional energy security and enable greater integration of renewable sources.

Romania’s position conditions the project on protecting existing assets – the Romanian dams Porțile de Fier I (2 300 MW) and II (520 MW) – and ensuring it does not interfere with the FAST DANUBE II navigation initiative coordinated with Bulgaria. Technical assessments will address downstream flow, riverbank stability and navigation impacts. Serbia’s state electricity producer Elektroprivreda Srbije will operate the plant, while Romania’s Hidroelectrica could acquire up to a 50 % stake. The Serbian ministry has also invited U.S. firms to participate.