Preparations are underway to reconstruct energy connectors between Albania and Montenegro and a separate project is being developed for a new power line with Kosovo.
The Albanian Energy Regulatory Authority announced that while a current project between Albania and North Macedonia with a capacity of 400kV is already under construction, it plans to develop a secondary 110kV interconnector with Kosovo and another 110kV with Montenegro.
The ERE said it wants to increase its power export capacity.
Currently, there is a link between Vau i Dejes in north Albania and the Montenegrin capital of Podgorica, with a capacity of 278MVA. However, the line was built in the early 70s and is in need of reconstruction. As Albania plans to build more hydropower plants in the north, despite warnings they are not sustainable due to climate change, ERE argues more reliable interconnectors are necessary.
On the Albanian side, the interconnector will be just 8km and could also involve wind power production.
The other planned line will connect Bajram Curri HPP substation and Kukes, with neighbouring Kosovo.
Albania currently generates almost 100% hydropower. However, with no storage capacity, the power is sold to other countries during the main months of production in the spring and early summer. This means Albania must buy fossil fuel energy in the winter to cover public demand.
The government keep issuing permits for hydropower plants, despite constant warnings that climate change and rising temperatures mean it is no longer long-term sustainable. Furthermore, concerns have also been raised that dams decimate communities, culture, and the environment.
