TIRANA, Dec. 9 – Germany has provided a €2 million grant to further support Albania’s energy system and the state-run electricity distribution operator, OSHEE, continuing its assistance as a lead donor in Albania’s energy infrastructure.
The Euro 2 million grant provided by the KfW Development Bank targets improving the management of OSHEE, which after its shift under state administration and the reform in the energy sector has overcome its loss-making period. The project will also allow the company make the right investment decisions and set up an information management system.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Albanian Energy Minister Damian Gjiknuri said the grant will be used on consultancy and management services to improve the distribution operator’s financial situation and customer service.
“Together with the KfW we are also developing even the OSHEE investment master plan. There has been an obvious improvement in losses and income and the sector has opened up a new cooperation window with all international financial institutions because of this performance,” said Gjiknuri.
German Ambassador to Albania Hellmut Hoffmann said the new project will guarantee a responsible management of Albania’s distribution system network by allowing it to cover its costs.
“The deal marks the continuation of our great success in German-Albanian cooperation in the energy sector,” said the ambassador.
Germany has provided support to the completion of the Albania-Montenegro interconnection line and is also financing the Albanian-Kosovo interconnection set to complete by spring 2016.
Germany’s financial support to a 110 kw line in southern Albania and ongoing work to built two electricity substations will benefit dozens of thousands of inhabitants and tourists in the Orikum and Himara coastal areas.
