TENDERING: Development of hydropower monitoring methodology, protocol for Albania, N. Macedonia

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has published an invitation for expressions of interest for the development of a hydropower monitoring methodology and a monitoring protocol in Albania and North Macedonia.

The bank said it would select and contract a consulting company. The deadline to file a bid is February 26, according to the announcement.

The overall objective of the project is to develop a hydropower monitoring methodology for the two countries and establish a monitoring protocol or framework, the invitation reads. It should be agreed between relevant stakeholders (state, developers, civil society organizations– CSOs) and technical know-how, communication and engagement skills are to be transferred to the local entities, the lender adds.

The objective of the project is to develop a hydropower monitoring methodology and establish a monitoring protocol for the two countries

The EBRD said trained stakeholders shall apply the monitoring framework and conduct monitoring of (small) hydropower developments during planning, construction, operation, rehabilitation at specific existing or planned (small) HPPs, to be selected in agreement with it.

The assignment is expected to start in the first quarter, with an estimated overall duration of 18 months, the document shows. It suggests the cost of the assignment would be EUR 120,000.

All sides would benefit from a common hydropower monitoring methodology and agreement on a monitoring protocol, the international lender underscored

The EBRD said major challenges are related to the limited environmental and social management capacity of hydropower developers. It also cited unspecified issues in the collection and analysis of environmental data and reliable data monitoring and evaluation as well as a lack of agreement on the monitoring protocol between stakeholders. Some of the problems apparently apply in particular to SHPPs.

To address them, hydropower developers, public authorities, regulators and CSOs that closely follow developments in the sector and their environmental impacts in the region would benefit from the development of the methodology and an agreement on a country-specific protocol, the institution concluded in the statement.