Austrian energy provider VERBUND has officially commenced construction on the 72.6 MW Spille wind farm located in the municipality of Rrogozhinรซ, Albania. This development marks the nationโs first utility-scale onshore wind power facility. By fulfilling all regulatory requirements outlined in the initial development agreement, the company is now moving forward with site preparation near the Adriatic coast, approximately 6.5 kilometers from the shoreline.
Project Timeline and Capacity
The facility is scheduled to begin commercial operations in the first qutitlerter of 2028. Upon completion, the project is expected to generate roughly 130,000 MWh of clean electricity annually. This Albania wind energy project serves as a primary initiative to diversify the national energy mix, moving toward a more balanced portfolio beyond its traditional reliance on hydroelectric power.
Technical Execution and Infrastructure
The construction of this Albania wind energy project involves a collaborative consortium of international experts to ensure the facility meets modern standards.
- Turbine Supply: Nordex will provide the wind turbines and manage preventive and corrective maintenance for 15 years.
- Civil Works: STRABAG is responsible for site preparation and structural foundations.
- Grid Connection: ENBI Power is tasked with developing the electrical interconnection infrastructure.
The scope of work includes the construction of a 30 kV/110 kV substation and a 5.7-kilometer double-circuit overhead power line. Furthermore, engineers are utilizing digital twin technology to monitor transmission systems, allowing for real-time operational control within the regional grid.
Strengthening Energy Security
Dietmar Reiner, CEO of VERBUND Green Power, noted that the issuance of the work order signals the start of a transformation in the local power sector. By adding wind capacity, the country aims to reduce grid vulnerability during periods of drought, which currently impact hydroelectric generation. Additionally, local production is intended to minimize the necessity for costly electricity imports during peak winter demand.
The site was initially awarded following a public auction conducted by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy of Albania in July 2023. The project is managed by the local entity VERBUND Green Power Albania Wind Shpk, which completed an 18-month wind measurement campaign to verify the resource viability prior to the start of construction. As the nation pursues its decarbonization targets, this wind farm serves as a framework for potential future private investment in both onshore and offshore renewable energy sectors.