The first photovoltaic plant on a dam in Albania What it represents This project consists of the construction ...

The first photovoltaic plant on a dam in Albania

What it represents

This project consists of the construction of a photovoltaic plant installed on the surface of the Qyrsaq dam in the Vau i Dejes hydropower plant. This is the first project developed by KESH sh.a. in the construction of new generating sources from renewable sources and it is also the first project in Albania that a photovoltaic plant is installed on the surface of a hydropower dam. The photovoltaic plant in the Qyrsaq dam was put into operation in February 2022. The construction of this plant is in function of the need to diversify the production portfolio of KESH sh.a. from renewable energy sources. The plant is installed on the surface of the Qyrsaq dam in HPP Vau i Dejës, respecting all technical conditions related to dam safety. The main objectives of the development of this project are: Diversification of electricity generation sources by KESH sh.a.

Currently KESH produces electricity from hydro sources to the extent of 100% and such an initiative is positive in view of the further extension of this technology even in similar unusable areas.

The development of the project is an indicator of the real opportunity for investments with an impact on improving the indicators of network security and security of electricity supply.

The high hydrological risk, due to the nature of the sources of electricity production and the need for annual imports, not only affects the security of the system but also that of supply due to the costs incurred by the sector and consequently the final consumer. . Referring to the average annual consumption of a household in our country, the energy provided for annual production by the plant in question would be sufficient to supply clean energy to 1,900 households.

In achieving the objectives set in the National Energy Strategy (NES) and the Efficiency Strategy (SE).

Diversification of electricity generation sources from renewable sources other than hydro as well as the policy for buildings with zero-zero energy is one of the commitments undertaken by the Albanian government by the Albanian government within the ECS and SE. The model proposed by KESH is not only part of the decarbonisation policy, but is also the right model for further promoting these commitments as viable and affordable ventures and secure return on investment.

Establishment of KNOW-HOW for the next (similar) projects in the field of PV.

The potential for the development of similar projects is great if we refer to the existing structures (medium and small dams). The development of such a project is an added value in terms of realistic assessment of investment opportunities either from public funds (dam management entity, etc.), but also private entities.

Use of areas without compromising the general interest.

Reservoir / lake dams are optimal places for the development of such projects due to the structural features that are perfect (dam surface angle or by analogy the roof angle of houses) and do not require in-depth civil interventions. Also, this project does not have a negative impact on civil works (dams) and is a very good opportunity to put into use unusable areas such as dams, house roofs or saline soils.

Combining the production of electricity from its two renewable sources, such as the sun and water is a very good opportunity to guarantee increased efficiency in production and increase the security of the country’s electricity supply.