Rebuilding for the future, ensuring Albania’s energy flows stronger
This case study focuses on the comprehensive rehabilitation project of the Fierza Hydropower Plant in Albania. Built in 1980, the plant is a crucial component of the country’s energy infrastructure, but it has faced challenges due to aging equipment and reduced efficiency. The project, supported by significant international funding, aims to modernize the plant and extend its operational life.
About
Challenges:
The rehabilitation project of the Fierza Hydropower Plant in Albania is designed to address several critical issues that have emerged due to the plant’s aging infrastructure and operational challenges:
- Over time, the plant has experienced a decline in its energy production efficiency. This has resulted in a measurable loss of energy output, meaning the plant is not generating as much electricity as it should be capable of.
- The hydropower plant, which has been operational since 1980, has outdated and worn-out equipment, particularly its turbines and generators. This has led to increased maintenance needs and a higher risk of equipment failure.
- The reliability of the plant has been compromised due to its aging components, leading to potential instability in energy production, which is critical for meeting the country’s electricity demands.
- The plant’s inefficiencies contribute to a larger strain on Albania’s energy grid and economy, particularly as the country is heavily reliant on hydropower for its electricity. This also makes the country more vulnerable to fluctuations in hydrological conditions, which are expected to become more variable with climate change.
Solutions
The rehabilitation project for the Fierza Hydropower Plant includes several key technical solutions aimed at addressing the plant’s issues:
The project involves the complete overhaul of turbines 1 and 3. This includes updating and replacing worn-out components to restore and possibly enhance their operational efficiency - upgrades that are expected to increase the plant’s energy output by at least 10%, addressing the decline in efficiency that has occurred over time.
All four generators at the plant are being reconstructed. This comprehensive refurbishment is designed to improve the reliability and efficiency of electricity production by ensuring that the generators can operate at optimal capacity.
By upgrading critical infrastructure and replacing outdated equipment, the project aims to extend the operational life of the hydropower plant by at least 30 years, ensuring its continued contribution to Albania’s energy supply.
Impacts
The rehabilitation project for the Fierza Hydropower Plant is expected to yield several significant results and benefits, which will have both immediate and long-term impacts on Albania’s energy sector:
- One of the primary expected outcomes is a 10% increase in energy output. This improvement will help meet the growing electricity demands in Albania, especially during peak periods and adverse weather conditions.
- The comprehensive upgrades are projected to extend the operational life of the hydropower plant by at least 30 years. This means the plant will continue to be a reliable source of renewable energy well into the future, reducing the need for additional power generation infrastructure.
- The technical enhancements, including the overhaul of turbines and the reconstruction of generators, are designed to improve the plant’s overall efficiency and operational reliability. This will result in fewer interruptions and lower maintenance costs, contributing to a more stable energy supply.
- By boosting the plant’s performance, Albania will be less dependent on energy imports, which can be costly and subject to international market fluctuations. This will also increase the country’s resilience to energy crises.
- The project contributes to the EU’s Green Agenda for the Western Balkans by ensuring that a significant portion of Albania’s energy continues to come from renewable sources, thereby supporting efforts to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.