SKAVICA HPP

The construction of HPP Skavica is a major project with an impact not only on the electricity system, but also on the national economy of the country. This is an early project, which will not only meet the demand of the Albanian market in terms of energy production, but will give the country the opportunity to become an exporter of renewable energy.

The Skavica Hydropower Project (HEC Skavica) will be built upstream of the cascade of three existing dams owned and operated by KESH sh.a. HPP Skavica aims to provide additional electricity generation, prevent downstream flooding and optimize the cascade by being a control dam.

In July 2021, in the presence of the Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Belinda Balluku and Justin Siberell, Regional President for Europe, Africa and the Middle East of Bechtel Infrastructure, a contract was signed for the first phase of this project between the Albanian Power Corporation and the American company Bechtel Infrastructure.

The signing of the first phase contract for the construction of HPP Skavica was done by the Director of KESH, Ergys Verdho for the Albanian side and Andrew Patterson, Global Business Development Manager and Large Project Manager for Bechtel Infrastructure.

According to Decision no. 485, dated 30.07.2021 For the approval of the contract of the first phase “Contract for technical services” – Skavica hydropower project between the Albanian Power Corporation sh.a. and the company Bechtel Limited starting from the date of entry into force, the services include the tasks of described in appendix 1 to this decision, with occasional changes made by agreement between the Parties.After the completion of the task1, Bechtel will submit to KESH sh.a. for approval the project program for the remaining tasks. Law No. 38/2021, the purpose of the first phase contract is to carry out preliminary work activities.For the above, the tasks provided in Annex 1 of this decision will be in function of meeting the requirements of applicable law regarding the approval of the dam project (including project idea and project implementation), but the final approvals of the project idea and project implementation, according to the applicable law for approval of the dam project, may not be finalized until the second phase, as described in law no. 38/2021.

Referring to Annex 1 of Decision no. 485, dated 30.07.2021 for a period of 18 months the preparatory work includes all the following studies.

-Preliminary assessment, initial data collection and finalization of facility reconciliation.

-Study, site selection and concepts

-Studies / Surveys

-Inspection works and studies.

-Environmental and social impact assessment

-Design

-Project implementation plan

-Project site development

-Implementation plan

-Funding options

-Preliminary forecasting of quantities / costs

Bechtel, utilizing its capacities, expertise and experience, is ready to undertake the Project, according to the terms and conditions set out in this Contract.