Alpiq wins international tender to construct hydroelectric power stations

TIRANA, 09 March 2009 — Swiss energy company Alpiq Holding Ltd. won the bid together with Hydro Power Nord Albania. The two companies plan to build hydroelectric power stations with a total capacity of around 80 MW on the River Curraj. Last year, in line with its plans to promote hydro power, Albania launched an international invitation to tender for several concessions for hydroelectric power stations. Winning the tender is the first of several steps on the long path towards realisation of the project. A final decision on the construction of the hydroelectric power stations will be made at a later stage.
The River Curraj is situated in Northern Albania, in a region that is home to most of the country’s hydroelectric power stations with a total capacity of 1700 MW. The region is rich in precipitation, and its hydrological conditions make it ideal for hydro power generation.
This engagement in Albania marks the start of Alpiq’s activities to harness the power of water in South Eastern Europe. Alpiq has extensive know-how in the field of hydroelectricity. For more than 100 years the company has been operating hydroelectric power stations in Switzerland, where it boasts a capacity of almost 3000 MW.
Albanian government announced the results of the tender on 9 March 2009. Alpiq can now start negotiations to obtain a concession. A final decision on the construction will be made at a later stage.