Albania to cancel permits for four old wind power projects

The Energy Regulatory Authority initiated the procedure to revoke licenses for four wind power plants that were issued more than ten years ago, citing the change in the legal framework.

As the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy is reevaluating projects and investment plans in cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, four wind parks in Albania are about to lose the licenses that they obtained in 2007 and 2008, Monitor.al reported.

After a meeting held earlier this month, the Energy Regulatory Authority (ERE) informed the operators it wouldn’t extend deadlines and that it initiated the procedure to revoke the permits. It noted that it was asked by the ministry to cancel them. EBRD is assisting the government in the preparation of wind power auctions.

All developers were told in December that they have 30 days to bring the projects in line with the current rules.

E-Vento planned to install its turbines in protected area

ERE said at least 15 turbines in E-Vento Albania’s planned 72 MW wind power plant would be installed in an area of historical significance. The project is located in Markat in the country’s far south, near the Butrint archeological site.

One of the wind power licenses on the list was obtained by HERA in 2007, while the remaining ones were issued one year later. The firm intended to build a 150 MW facility in Kapshticë in Korçë country in the country’s southeast.

Projects were supposed to be commissioned from 2012 to 2014

The regulatory body also rejected the request by ERS-08 to prolong the deadline for a 40 MW wind power unit in Kavajë in western Albania, citing the government’s stance. The fourth project was developed by Biopower Green Energy. It planned to build a 230 MW facility near the city of Lezhë in the north.

The four wind parks were supposed to be commissioned between 2012 and 2014. There are still no wind power plants in the country.