Italian “Essegei” gets first 25 concessions on small hydro power units

TIRANA, March.23- The Council of Ministers approved 25 concessions on small hydro power units for the Italian company “Essegei.” The government decided last week to give out these concessions so that firms could build the hydropower facilities use them and then return the ownership to the state. The move is considered part of the strategy to prevent other power crisis and address the general energy needs.
Different opinions exist about the increased capacity that this move will provide. Prime Minister Berisha declared that it will almost double the energy production wile experts say that it can cover only 10-15 percent of consumption needs. Investment contracts in the energy sector have increased by 20 percent. They include 3 month, 6 month and 1 year projects. Berisha repeated his invitation to strategic foreign investors for more interest in the energy field reassuring them of the government assistance. In order to facilitate the procedures which will be run through KESH a task Force has been established with energy experts. Berisha also mentioned plans for larger hydro power units. A feasibility study will be carried out soon for the hydro power unit in Bushat.