Berisha repeats Albania may build nuclear power station with other countries

TIRANA, May 18 – Prime Minister Sali Berisha repeated last weekend at the Crans Montana Forum that Albania is interested in building a nuclear power station, but this time said in partnership with other countries.
Berisha said that development of the energy sector remained a priority of his government, repeating it is interested in construction of nuclear power stations.
He further said the government was working hard to increase power generation through construction of new thermo and hydropower stations.
A thermo-power station is under construction in Vlora and a hydro-power station in Kalivac. Other efforts are being made to develop new energy sources.
Some 26 companies have been contracted for different sized hydropower stations, just as there are other projects under discussion or in the bidding process.
Berisha also added that, together with the Kosova government, Albania is working to build a medium-sized thermo-power station in Kosova.
“The Government is willing to rely on nuclear power stations as well,” he said.
“We are considering that opportunity and want to cooperate with the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency. Once the legal framework is ready, we will start negotiations with neighboring counties, Macedonia, Kosova and Montenegro to draft a joint project, since it would be a sustainable energy source,” said Berisha.