PM Berisha attends beginning of construction works on Banja hydropower plant

Banja hydropower plant, which is being constructed by Norway’s Statkraft Company, is the first hydropower plant on Devolli River cascade. Devolli hydro-energy project consists of 3 hydropower plants: Banja, Kokël and Moglicë, an investment of 1 billion Euros.
Prime Minister Sali Berisha attended on 13 May the kicking off works on construction of Banja hydropower plant, in Gramsh, by the Norway’s Statkraft Company. This is the first hydropower plant on Devoll River cascade to provide 20% more energy as compared to the existing production level and also meet the needs for electricity of 150 000 families. Likewise, part of this investment is improvement of the existing infrastructure of the surrounding communities through creating opportunities for economic development and employment.
Devolli hydro-energy project carries 3 hydropower stations: Banja, Kokël and Moglicë. Banja hydropower plant is the first to be built with an about 80-meter height of the hydroelectric dam. The lake extends over 14 square km. The installed capacity of Banja hydropower plant is about 65 MW.
Meanwhile, work is underway on two road segments that will connect Banja dam with the existing road axis. Likewise, works are due to begin on the 35 kW transmission line, Mjekës – Banjë. It will be used not only for the transmission of energy produced at Banja hydropower station, but it can also be used as a distribution network for all Gramshi area.
PM Berisha expressed his enthusiasm at this investment of one of the leading companies in the field of energy in Europe and in the world. “Statkraft Company presence in Albania is the best invitation to the Norwegian companies, but even to those of the Scandinavian Peninsula so that to consider with special interest Albania investment potential”, said PM Berisha.
Further on, PM Berisha pledged that on the next mandate the government will improve even more the business climate. “All opinions of high taxes or other opinions that aim to damage the business climate will remain like voices in the desert”, said the prime minister.
Likewise, PM Berisha emphasized that it will not be far the day when Albania, with its water reserves, will get transformed into a leading country for production of water energy in the region.

energjia.al, 16.05.2013