A potential water shortage in critical reservoirs is one of the latest issues to face Albania amid the ongoing energy crisis. Water reserves in the north of the country that supplies the main hydropower plants are reported to be dangerously low, risking disruption to the electricity supply.
There have been multiple reports that the water level in the Drini Cascade and Fierze is running dangerously low due to mismanagement and overuse, combined with the impact of climate change.
The Albanian government has long been warned of the effects of rising temperatures and lower rainfall but continues to keep investing in hydropower which accounts for most of the country’s energy generation.
Spring is one of the most crucial times for Albania’s hydropower sector as snow in the mountains melts and fills up the reservoirs and lakes that then power hydro plants. As well as using some of the power for domestic purposes, Albania exports significant amounts.
At the end of March, the level of Fierza was dropping to around three metres per week, resulting in Fierza, Komani and Vau I Dejes HPPs working at half capacity. Intensive rainfall somewhat remedied this situation, but it is not a long-term solution.
Energy Minister Belinda Balluku refuted claims that the situation was serious.
“I emphasise that we should not be influenced by opinions we have not managed the cascade properly. It has said it had not been managed properly, but this did not happen. The cascade is well managed, and we have not had power outages,” she said.
The Director of the Albanian Electric Power Corporation (KESH) said they will do their best to mean energy demands.
