Albania launches three energy projects worth 32 million euro under the EU's Western Balkans Growth Plan

Albania will implement its first three projects under the European Union's Western Balkans Growth Plan, with the country receiving 32 million euro in funding. The initiatives are aimed at modernizing the energy system and strengthening its capacity to meet the growing needs of the economy and households, BalkanEngineer.com learned from Albaniandailynews.com.

The first project involves the digitization of 40 high-voltage substations in different parts of the country. The introduction of modern technologies is expected to significantly improve the reliability and management of the power transmission network. This will allow for more efficient load control, faster fault detection, and greater system resilience in emergency situations.

The second project is planned for the reconstruction of the Fierza hydroelectric power plant, one of Albania's strategic hydroelectric power plants. Built decades ago, the facility plays a key role in the country's energy balance. The renovation will extend its operational life by at least 30 years and increase its productivity by about 10%.

The third project involves the construction of a new 400/220 kV power line between Rashbul and Tirana, as well as the modernization of the so-called "Tirana Ring." This will ensure a more stable power supply for the capital, reduce network losses, and allow for better management of growing consumption in the area. This will ensure a more stable power supply for the capital, reduce network losses, and allow for better management of growing consumption in the area. According to experts, the completion of the project will have a direct impact on business and the quality of life of Tirana's residents.

The funding is part of the EU's new strategy for the Western Balkans, called the Growth Plan. Through it, Brussels aims to accelerate the economic growth of the countries in the region and integrate them more closely into the common European market. The plan focuses on investments in energy, digitalisation, transport and sustainable development.

Construction work on the new power line to Tirana is expected to be completed this year, while the modernisation of the Fierza hydroelectric power plant will take longer, given the complexity of the process. The digitization of substations will also be carried out in stages, with the aim of providing the country with a modern and intelligent electricity transmission network within a few years.

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