Investors Seek Permits to Build Small HPPs in Gjirokastara and Korca

TIRANA, November 2

Investors are starting to look into Hydro Power Plants (HPP) projects again as new applications were submitted at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy (MIE). The project proposals consist of small capacity HPPs in the regions of Gjirokastra and Korca.

Afrimi K Company applied for the construction of Kastriot 1 HPP with a capacity up to 2 MW in Belica waterway, a tributary to Drino River in Gjirokastra. The investment value was not mentioned in the official documents. The company that seeks the permit operates in the sector of mineral research, processing, import-export, and shipping.

The second request was submitted by two companies Gjeokonsult & Co and Engineering-System. They plan to build an HPP with an installed capacity up to 2MW in Gurra Creek, another tributary of Drino River.
The third request was submitted by Jova Company. It seeks a permit for the construction of Nicja HPP with a capacity of 2MW in Varri i Plakes creek, in the upper course of Shkumbini River, Korca region.
The company specializes in designing and constructing power projects such as HPPs, thermal power stations, and Eolic plants.
Previous cases of small HPP projects across Albania faced opponents such as civil society and local communities. The lack of consultations and the neglected environmental impact has often generated conflicts among stakeholders and private companies. Drino River is a tributary to Vjosa River. The latter is turning into a hot potato due to the fact that the permit granted for an HPP in Kalivac might pose compliance concern to the Bern Convention. The Standing Committee of the Bern Convention institutions will gather in Strasbourg on  27-30 November and it will decide what will happen with the draft-recommendation on the HPP in Vjosa River.
News Source: Scan TV