Tirana-Podgorica interconnection line operational

TIRANA, Jan. 31 – The Albanian power Transmission System Operator says it has successfully tested the completion of the new interconnection line linking Tirana to Montenegro’s capital, Podgorica and that within a few days, one of the main energy lines, which connects Albania with the region, will be operational.
“Three days ago, we tested the line from Podgorica to Tirana based on the technical conditions that are required by this project, and we have come to the conclusion that everything is ready. In case greater exports or imports will be required, now our import and export capacities have been doubled,” said Sokol Ramadani, the director general of the Transmission System as quoted by Alsat TV.
Germany’s KfW Entwicklungsbank provided some EUR 44 million to finance the construction on both sides of the border of the transmission line from Tirana to Podgorica, and the expansion of the pertinent sub-stations. Construction work on the line started in mid-2008, and was slated for completion in 2010, significantly improving electricity supplies in Albania.
A smoothly functioning cross-border electricity transmission system does, however, presuppose well-functioning communication between the Albanian and Montenegrin operators. KfW financed training and advisory services which aimed to help operators on both sides of the border to make efficient use of the cross-border transmission capacities and to use the new capacities to their mutual benefit.
The construction of a 155 km-long transmission line from Elbasan in Albania, which is close to Tirana, to Podgorica in Montenegro should lay the foundations for a peaceful future. Both sides will benefit from the transmission line. “It will mark an important step in the development of both economies. For Albania, the new line will significantly improve electricity supplies, while Montenegro can generate revenue from passing on the power. The project is thus exemplary for encouraging closer cooperation and peaceful coexistence in the Balkans,” says KfW.
Albania will also start building a new interconnection line this year linking the country to neighbouring Kosovo to integrate and strengthen energy systems. The KfW-funded project expected to begin in the first months of 2011.