HYDROPOWER

Electrical power is ranked the second most important energy source in the country after oil and oil by-products, with 33% of the energy produced from primary sources and 24% of domestic energy consumed. The Albanian power system relies practically only on hydropower plants (HPPs). Albania is rich in water reserves and a hydropower potential that bears an important developmental role for the country. Albanian hydrographical territory is 44,000 m2 or 57% larger than its geographical territory. The country counts eight main rivers: Drini, Buna, Vjosa, Semani, Mati, Shkumbini, Ishmi and Erzeni. Formation of the cascades along the main rivers makes these substantially important for the hydropower potential in the country. According to the National Energy Strategy, total annual potential production from hydropower plants in Albania is estimated at 16-18 TWh and can be derived from an installed capacity of 4,500 MW87. The three largest hydropower plants of Fierza, Koman and Vau i Dejes were built in a cascade form on the Drini River from year 1971 to 1985 with an installed capacity of 1,350 MW. The HPPs of Fierza, Koman and Vau i Dejes on Drini River have generated about 90% of the hydropower in the last 15 years with an average annual output of 4,300 GWh.