“This is a short term solution. Hidroelectrica is the company compensating for imbalances in the system, because hydropower units have the greatest reaction speed,” company general manager Dragos Zachia told MEDIAFAX.
A series of thermal power plants using natural gas to produce electricity have switched to fuel oil, because of low pressure in the pipes. The situation is caused by the low temperatures seen nationwide. Fuel oil has a lower yield compared to natural gas, which is why output has decreased in some of the thermal power plants.
Romania’s consumption was covered 47% from coal plants, 17% from hydrocarbon plants, 16% from the Cernavoda nuclear power plant and less than 1% from wind farms.
According to data from sate-owned power grid operator Transelectrica (TEL.RO), Hidroelectrica’s output covers 18.6% of the total. In a regular year, from a hydrological standpoint, the company covers some 25%-30% of production.
Hidroelectrica took a hit from the drought this year, and it was forced to claim force majeure and reduce deliveries to clients.
Zachia added the reserve lakes are 35% full.