Lotru–Ciunget Hydropower Plant — The Energy Powerhouse of Lotru Valley
Just 15 km from ZAN Hotel, in the heart of Lotru Valley (Voineasa area), lies a remarkable achievement of Romanian engineering: the Lotru Hydropower System, whose most emblematic facility is the Lotru–Ciunget Hydropower Plant.
Engineering and History: A Grand and Carefully Designed Project
Construction of the Lotru hydropower development began in the 1960s and continued until 1985, when the entire system became fully operational.
The Ciunget power plant has an installed capacity of 510 MW, powered by three Pelton turbines, making it one of the most powerful underground hydropower plants in Romania.
The system includes three hydropower plants (Ciunget, Mălaia, and Brădișor) and a network of underground tunnels totaling approximately 160 km, through which the waters of the Lotru River and its tributaries are diverted.
The total capacity of the Lotru hydropower system is even higher than that of the Ciunget plant alone — according to Hidroelectrica reports, the entire complex has an installed capacity of about 643 MW.
Technology and Operation
Water is stored in Vidra Lake, a key reservoir within the Lotru system. From there, it travels through underground intake and conveyance tunnels — one of them extending for more than 13 km.
After this stage, the water is directed through a pressurized tunnel approximately 1.32 km long, with a steep gradient that generates an impressive hydraulic head of 809 meters — the crucial factor behind the plant’s high energy output.
Once the water passes through the Pelton turbines at the Ciunget power station, it is diverted toward Mălaia Lake through a tailrace tunnel about 6.5 km long.
Strategic Role and Local Impact
The Lotru hydropower development is not just a power plant but a vital component of the Romanian National Energy System. The Ciunget Hydropower Plant provides several essential services:
- secondary frequency regulation (about 46% of this service at national level)
- tertiary rapid reserve (~11%) and fast-start reserve, capable of increasing output from 0 to 510 MW in just a few minutes
The complex also includes pumping stations (Petrimanu, Jidoaia, Lotru-Aval) that help balance water flow and maximize energy efficiency.
Recently, these pumping stations have entered a modernization process, aimed at improving efficiency and extending the lifespan of the installations.
Ecological and Tourist Importance for ZAN Hotel Guests
For visitors staying at ZAN Hotel, the Lotru–Ciunget Hydropower Plant can be a surprising discovery: not only a mountain landscape, but also a lesson in how nature and technology can coexist.
Hikes around Vidra Lake or Gâlcescu Lake can include viewpoints overlooking dams, tunnels, and other impressive hydrotechnical structures. In this way, the visit gains an educational and inspiring dimension — not just relaxation in nature, but also a connection with the region’s energy history.
Moreover, the modernization of the hydropower infrastructure highlights a strong commitment to sustainable energy and environmental protection, another reason why Lotru Valley is such a special destination for travelers seeking responsible adventure.
Photo source (cover): hidroelectrica.ro