HPP Concession Annulled in UNESCO Site

TIRANA, August 29
The Albanian Ministry of Energy and Industry was forced to annul the concession for Bushtrica 4 Hydro Power Plant (HPP) because the construction project would affect Shebenik-Jabllanica National Park. The protected area of Rrajca, located in the eastern part of Shebeniku Mountain and that now is part of the WORLD Heritage Property ‘Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and the Ancient Beech Forests of Germany’ since July is one of the reasons why the concession was annulled.
The Ministry confirmed the details on the announcement for the cancellation of the concession for Bushtrica 4 HPP.
The Directorate of Concessions, Procurements, Expropriation, and Privatization announced the official reasons for the decision.
“The coordinates of the area planned for the development of Bushtrica HHP confirm that it is part of Shebenik-Jabllanica National Park Territory and a considerable part of the project involves the central sub-area of Rrajca. The World Heritage Property Status ensures protection to this area,” the official announcement says.
Therefore, no human activity is allowed in the area.
“Based on the law on Protected Areas it was decided the annulment of the concession procedure on Bushtrica 4HPP,” the statement concluded.
News Source: Shqip