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. 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.
Compared to other photovoltaic plants in Albania, such as the Belsh PV and Qyrsaq PV projects, the Zadeja PV plant has a cost that reflects its technical complexity and the additional construction measures required on a dam structure. This plant maximizes the use of existing infrastructure, minimizes land and environmental impact, and represents an important engineering and technological achievement for the country.
Currently, the project is in the construction phase. This investment directly contributes to the expansion of clean energy capacities in Albania and aligns with high standards of safety, transparency, and professionalism.