Albania’s dilemma: produce energy or protect the environment?

Albania’s Sali Berisha says thermal power plants are the best way to meet the country’s energy needs. But plans to build such a facility at a top tourist destination have local residents crying foul.

Over the last decade, life in Albania has become seriously affected by energy shortages. This summer, the public faced up to 12 hours of power cuts a day, at the peak of the tourism season.

Prime Minister Sali Berisha has vowed action. He says neither energy imports nor conservation efforts are enough to solve the problem, and that new facilities must be built. “I think that the Albanian government has to plan in its budget the funds for a new thermal power plant every year,” he said.


The authorities have given the go-ahead for a thermal plant in the southwestern port city of Vlora. However, the initiative has triggered opposition from environmentalists and local residents.

Situated off the Adriatic coast, Vlora is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Beautiful beaches and lagoons, as well as ancient and medieval monuments, make it an appealing travel destination. Vlora is also famous for its biodiversity and its wine, olive oil and fish.

The thermal facility would be part of an industrial park covering a 560 hectare area, close to several protected lagoons. As the entire city area of Vlora is 1,120 hectares, and the industrial zone will be located 1.5 km from the centre within a residential area, residents are worried about the negative impact on social life and on the tourism potential. Environmentalists, meanwhile, say the project’s main goal is not to improve the energy situation at home, but to facilitate exports abroad.

Southeast European Times