As global energy demand continues to grow and environmental challenges intensify, renewable energy has become essential for a sustainable future. In Albania, where electricity generation is mainly hydro-based, diversifying production sources is a strategic necessity. Thanks to favorable climatic conditions, solar energy offers a significant opportunity to complement the country’s renewable mix.
To this end, KESH is implementing a photovoltaic plant with a capacity of 8.25 MWp on the Zadeja Dam of the Vau i Dejës Hydropower Plant. The project supports the Albanian Government’s and KESH’s strategic vision to increase renewable energy generation, enhance energy security, and reduce import dependency.
The Zadeja PV Plant is a pioneering project in Albania and the wider region — the first to be built directly on a hydropower dam. Its design requires advanced engineering solutions, specialized civil works, and reinforced structures to ensure stability and safety. The concrete foundation alone covers 16,000 m³, worth over 106 million ALL. The project also foresees improvements to access roads, fencing and protection of the dam, installation of a SCADA monitoring system, 2 km of medium-voltage cabling, and two years of maintenance.
With a cost of 98.5 million ALL/MWp, higher than comparable plants such as Belsh PV (83.7 million ALL/MWp) and Qyrsaq PV (91.05 million ALL/MWp), this reflects the project’s technical complexity and its construction challenges on the dam’s surface. Nevertheless, it ensures efficient use of existing infrastructure, minimal land occupation, and limited environmental impact.
Currently, construction is underway, with 6.67% physical progress and 10.5% financial progress. The total project investment (CAPEX) amounts to 812.7 million ALL. Once completed, the Zadeja Dam PV Plant will stand as a symbol of innovation and sustainability, strengthening Albania’s transition toward clean energy and a greener economy.