Commercial operations have started at the Moglicë hydropower plant in Albania, Statkraft has announced, with the project delivering power to the country’s grid.
The power plant was officially opened yesterday, with a site visit by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Belinda Balluku.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Belinda Balluku, on site with Statkraft staff.
Located on the Devoll river in the south-eastern part of Albania, Moglicë hydropower plant comprises a 167m high asphalt-core rock-filled dam, a 10.7km long headrace tunnel, an underground powerhouse with two main generators of 91.5MW each and a 1MW eco-flow unit at the foot of the dam.
Moglicë is the largest of the two hydropower plants in the Devoll hydropower project and will generate approximately 450 GWh per year.
Together with Banja hydropower plant, Statkraft’s hydropower production in the Devoll valley will reach 700GWh per year, equal to approximately 13% of Albania’s total electricity generation.
In addition to increased renewable power production, the project has contributed to significant developments in the Devoll valley in the form of new infrastructure, livelihood support and social development.
“Finalising the Moglice hydropower plant marks an important milestone for Statkraft’s activities in Albania. The country is developing to be the electricity hub of the region, opening up to further opportunities,” said Christian Rynning-Tønnesen, CEO of Statkraft.
