| Sustainable development
have called for a complete ban on hydropower development….but that is not what the scientists are saying is needed if we are going to address the climate change challenge and meet energy needs.” Rich was speaking at the launch webinar for the
Western Balkans hydropower sustainability initiative which was held on 10 March 2021. This offered a platform for local stakeholders to discuss and share expertise on how to implement hydropower sustainability standards and tools in the region. Without a significant uplift in hydropower to support the clean energy grid, Rich says that Albania will not reach its net zero targets. And given the significant lead times required in hydropower development, he adds that “we’ve got to start building now”. “We know that it is not going to be acceptable unless we can demonstrate that hydropower is not only renewable but sustainable. The aim of this project is to manage the environmental and social impacts of development responsibly. With the hydropower sustainability standards and tools there is no excuse for hydropower development in 2021 not to be aligned with good environmental standards and practices,” Rich stated.
Patrik Meier is from the Swiss Embassy in Albania. He
explained that Switzerland and Albania have a long- standing partnership in the energy sector dating from 1992. Switzerland is one of the largest bilateral donors and has previously contributed to the rehabilitation of KESH’s 500MW Fierza hydropower plant on the Drin River Cascade. Meier spoke about how Swiss support for Albania in the energy sector has seen a shift towards hydropower sustainability which is more relevant than ever to address climate change and economic development. He said that sustainability tools are “only useful when in the hands of the practitioners of the people” which is why the relevant authorities, investors and developers need to be involved so that they can implement best practices with such tools. “I am happy that this new initiative will contribute to increase the sustainability of hydropower projects
while complying with international standards,” he commented.
Skavica project In Albania over the next year, IHA will offer capacity
building training for KESH staff and help implement good practices and project reviews using the hydropower sustainability standards and tools. This will be followed by an assessment of the proposed 250MW Skavica hydro project by an independent team.
Skavica was planned in the 1980s but was never implemented. Feasibility studies started in 2017 and five design alternatives give a potential annual energy production ranging from 450GWh to 800GWh. The project is described as being an important and strategic one for Albania, as well as a good opportunity to include sustainability tools into its design. Its main purposes alongside power production are flood mitigation and improving generation in the existing downstream Drin River Cascade. KESH’s Head of Environmental and Social Sector,
Anni Kallfa, said the power corporation is looking forward to applying the tools. “While electricity is the focus of the company, KESH also aims to adopt changes in the business environment, technology, financing opportunities and environmental protection,” she said.
Commenting on the initiative, Benet Beci,
Executive Director of KESH, stated: “On behalf of the Albanian Power Corporation, I feel honoured for being part of this programme, as the largest electricity producer in the country and in the region. Our future challenges concern increasing the energy production and ensuring electricity independence, while at the same time, ensuring a positive environmental and social presence in the communities living close to hydropower plants, as well as promoting sustainable social, economic and environmental development. Therefore, we are committed to adopting the best practices and standards of sustainable hydropower.” f
Left: Aerial view of the Bajina Bašta hydropower dam on the Drina River on the border between Bosnia and Serbia
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