Tenders to be issued for small hydropower utilities

TIRANA, May.28 – The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Energy will conduct a July 2 tender for the concession granting two small hydropower units; specifically “Peshku” in the commune of Martanesh and Stavrec, both in the district of Mat. The new law on concessions has made it possible to offer ROT grants on small units that will be built throughout Albania using water reserves. Over 60 requests have been presented to the ministry so far for building local units, while existing hydropower units need a complete overhaul due to their technical problems and outdated technology. The cascade of the river Drin, with a total capacity of 1350 MV, represents 90 percent of local production with 3 units, followed by the Mat river cascade with 2 units and an installed capacity of 52 MV; and the river Bistrica cascade with 28.5 MV. The most important water reserve energy project though, that of the hydropower unit of Bushat, has been halted because the World Bank financing funds have been blocked. Another unit at Kaliva笠has been given in a concession to the Italian Bechetti, but has not been completed yet.