TIRANA (Albania), December 18 (SeeNews) – Statkraft Renewables Albania, a subsidiary of Norway's Statkraft, has applied for a building permit for a floating solar park, the energy ministry said.
The solar panels will sit on the surface of the water reservoir of the Banja hydro power plant (HPP), in southeastern Albania, the energy ministry said in a statement on Monday.
The ministry provided no details on the capacity, estimated cost and implementation timetable of the project.
Statkraft, a leading company in hydro power internationally and Europe’s largest generator of renewable energy, is present in Albania through its wholly-owned subsidiary Devoll Hydropower and the recently established Statkraft Renewables Albania.
Under a concession agreement with the Albanian government, Devoll Hydropower will develop, build and operate hydro power plants in cascade along the Devoll river. The project consists of two HPPs in the southeastern part of the country - Banja and Moglica. The 73 MW Banja HPP is operational since 2016, whereas Moglica is under construction.
Earlier this month, Albania's energy ministry said that state-owned power corporation KESH is seeking a building permit for a floating solar park of 12.9 megawatt peaks (MWp), to be situated on the surface of the water reservoir of the Vau i Dejes HPP, in the northern part of the country.
Albania produces over 90% of its electricity from HPPs, most of it from three power stations along the Drin river, in the northern part of the country.