The largest solar power plant in the Western Balkans
The Karavasta solar plant, located in the Fier region of southern Albania, has been successfully connected to the grid, delivering electricity to the transmission system. To date, this project is the largest photovoltaic project in Albania and the Western Balkans.
About
With a capacity of 140 megawatts, the plant can provide electricity equivalent to the annual consumption of 220,000 residents, which is twice the energy needs of Albanian cities such as Vlora or Kamza.
Challenges:
The project aims to tackle a number of challenges:
- Albania’s energy production has historically been heavily reliant on hydropower, which makes the country vulnerable to seasonal changes and climate variations.
- Securing financing for such a large-scale project in a developing market can be challenging.
- Broader renewable energy projects often face resistance from local communities due to concerns over land use and environmental impacts.
Solutions
The project presents a few solutions:
The introduction of a large-scale solar power plant like Karavasta helps diversify the energy mix, reducing the dependency on hydropower and enhancing energy security by adding a stable and predictable energy source.
The Karavasta project is part of a larger regional effort to involve communities and stakeholders in the planning and development process, ensuring that projects are socially accepted and aligned with local interests .
Impacts
- The Karavasta solar project is significant because it is the largest solar power plant in the Western Balkans, with a capacity of 140 MW.
- The plant is expected to produce enough electricity to meet the needs of approximately 220,000 residents and will significantly contribute to reducing carbon emissions in the region by preventing the release of over 29,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.