Albanian electricity distribution system operator OSHEE organized a tender on 22 November for the import of 409,200 MWh of electricity in December.
In the second half of 2017, Albania was forced to import the majority of its domestic electricity consumption due to severe drought, which diminished production in hydropower plants. During June and July, Albania spent over 50 million euros on electricity imports, since it is forced to meet up to 80 % of its electricity demand from import.
In August, the World Bank has authorized Albanian Power Corporation (KESH) to use the 22.4 million euros worth loan to finance electricity imports, which are necessary due to severe drought in the country. In 2014, Albanian Government signed a 150 million dollars loan agreement with the World Bank in order to fund the reforms of its energy sector. Part of that loan envisaged a batch of some 23 million euros that should be used in extraordinary situations, such as extreme drought.
The country produces almost 100 % of its electricity at HPPs, majority of which is produced at three HPPs on the Drin river: 600 MW HPP Koman, 500 MW HPP Fierza and 250 MW Vau te Dejes. The water level at HPP Fierza has dropped below the minimum and the plant is operating at minimum capacity, while the situation is similar with the other two HPPs.
