Moglicë HPP starts commercial operations
After several years in development and implementation, Moglicë Hydropower Plant started commercial operations
Moglicë HPP is the largest hydropower plant of the Devoll Hydropower Project that Statkraft is investing in Albania. After completion of main works in 2019, in the beginning of 2020 started commissioning and testing phase, which came to a successful conclusion for the two main units of the power plant. After the successful synchronization with the Albanian electricity grid, the power plant is generating clean energy for the market.
In addition to increased renewable power production, the project has contributed to significant developments in the Devoll valley in the form of new infrastructure, livelihood support and social development.
“Finalising the Moglice hydropower plant marks an important milestone for Statkraft’s activities in Albania. The country is developing to be the electricity hub of the region, opening up to further opportunities,” says Christian Rynning-Tønnesen, CEO of Statkraft.
The power plant was officially opened today, with a site visit by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Belinda Balluku.
“We have faced problems and have provided solutions to issues encountered during the implementation of the project, especially as regards the construction of roads, among other matters. I am glad to hear also from the company management that despite perceptions, in Albania they felt much better than elsewhere as regards seriousness, speed and transparency from the government”, says Prime Minister Edi Rama.
Located in the south-eastern part of Albania, in the Devoll river, Moglicë Hydropower Project is comprised of an approx. 167 m high asphalt-core rock-filled dam, a 10.7 km long headrace tunnel connecting the reservoir to the underground Powerhouse, which with two main generators of 91.5 MW each, and a 1 MW eco-flow unit at the foot of the dam.
The dam is creating a reservoir with a planned storage capacity of approx. 380 million m³, with a surface area of approx. 7.2 km². Moglicë HPP will utilize a head of 300m between 650 and 350m above sea level.
Moglicë HPP shall generate approx. 450 GWh/yearly, which combined also with Banja HPP shall generate 700 GWh/yearly, increasing Albania’s electricity generation by approx. 13%.