Norwegian energy company Statkraft has started commercial operations at the Moglice hydropower plant in Albania.
Moglice is the largest of two plants in the Devoll hydro project and will generate approximately 450 gigawatt-hours a year.
It is located on the Devoll river in the south-eastern part of Albania and comprises a 167-metre high asphalt-core rock-filled dam, a 10.7km long headrace tunnel, an underground powerhouse with two main generators of 91.5MW each and a 1MW eco-flow unit at the foot of the dam.
Together with Banja hydropower plant, Statkraft’s hydropower production in the Devoll valley will reach 700GWh a year, equal to approximately 13% of Albania’s total electricity generation.
The project has also contributed to significant developments in the Devoll valley in the form of new infrastructure, livelihood support and social development, Statkraft said.
Statkraft chief executive Christian Rynning-Tonnesen said: “Finalising the Moglice hydropower plant marks an important milestone for Statkraft’s activities in Albania. The country is developing to be the electricity hub of the region, opening up to further opportunities.”
Moglice timelapse from Statkraft on Vimeo.