_____________________________________________________________________________________

ALBANIA TRANSMISSION NETWORK DEVELOPMENT PLAN

1. Albanian Power System Overview

The Power System of Albania has 445.7 km of 400 kV lines, 1250 km of 220 kV lines, 34.4 km
of 150 kV line and 1606.7 km of 110 kV lines. The main power plants of “Drin River” Cascade in
the Northern part of Albania are connected in the 220 kV transmission network which is also the
main connection to the biggest load in the area of Tirana, Elbasan, Durres and Fieri. The 110 kV
network, majorly part is closed in rings and in some part radial. It covers all urban areas of the
country in order to supply the Distribution System that nowadays is operated by OSHEE and is
100% state owned.

Transmission grid development in compliance with the long term forecasts and electricity sector
development plans, in general, represents one of OST fundamental functions comprising a
necessity for the performance of its functions. The electricity demand in Albania still remains at
very high rates. Referring to the data for the last ten years, the power supply by transmission
system to distribution Substations and eligible customers of the country connected to the
transmission network has been growing about 2.5% annually rate.

The application for connection of new generating sources to the transmission system have
increased and according to forecasts, important power plants, mainly HPP and Renewables, are
expected to be built in the coming years. Taking account the last 15-years, it is evident that
domestic production does not fully cover the demand for electricity and the country needs to import
large amounts of electricity in the dry years. In order to realize the exchanges for a safe operation
of transmission system, and create favorable technical conditions to develop an integrated market
of electricity in the region there need to be increased the exchange capacity with the neighbor
systems and strengthening of the interconnection network.

Transmission System Operator (OST) operates the transmission system in Albania and provides
capacities necessary for:

 Supply of distribution system substations (OSHEE) and eligible consumers directly

connected to transmission grid;

 Transmission of electricity generated by Power Plants;

 Transitions and exchanges of electricity with neighboring countries.

1
Transmission System Planning & Development
_____________________________________________________________________________________
OST owns and operates in total fifteen Substations (400 kV, 220 kV, and 150 kV) with a total
installed capacity of 4096 MVA. Albania has six Interconnection lines with the neighboring
countries:
• 400 kV line Zemblak - Kardia (Greece)
• 400 kV line Tirana 2 - Podgorica (Montenegro)
• 400 kV line Tirana2 - Kosovo B (Kosovo)
• 220 kV line Koplik - Podgorica (Montenegro)
• 220 kV line Fierze - Prishtina (Kosovo)
• 150 kV Bistrica 1 - Igumenice (Greece).
The 400 kV Tirana2 (AL) – Kosovo-B (KO) is constructed, the project is fully commissioned and
ready to be in operation.

The figure below shows in a schematically way the structure of the transmission network in
Albania.

ALBANIAN TRANSMISSION SYSTEM STRUCTURE

I
126 MVA 237 MW
N
T
E 1538.74 MW
R 35, 20, 10, 6 kV

C
400 kV 120 MVAr
O
N
N 1200 MVA 2390 MVA
E 411.44 MW
220 kV
C
T 300 MVA
O
R
S 80 MVA

150 kV 110 kV

2
Transmission System Planning & Development
_____________________________________________________________________________________
More than 70% of the total generated installed capacity is connected in the 220 kV network.
Autotransformers 220/400 kV have a capacity of 1200 MVA and the 110 kV grid is connected
with the 400 kV Rings by two 150 MVA Autotransformers installed in the south-eastern part of
the network in Zemblak Substation.

Transmission of electricity from the main sources of generation to the major centers of
consumption is done through the 220 kV grid and further through the 220/110 kV transformation
(2390 MVA). The 110 kV network that supply all the 110 kV substations previously represented
the main load nodes while actually are connected around 20% of the installed generation capacity.

In the following picture it is shown the Albanian Transmission map updated recently in the
ENTSO-E framework.

3
Transmission System Planning & Development
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Albanian Power System, ENTSO-E map.

4
Transmission System Planning & Development
_____________________________________________________________________________________
2. Current situation of the network, electricity demand and generation forecast.

2.1 Electricity consumption for the period 2005-2017.

Economic and demographic factors in the last decade have significantly affected the fluctuations
of the energy consumption in different regions of the country. In this period fluctuations in
electricity consumption has been mostly in urban areas, such as Elbasan, Fier, Burrel, Shkodra,
Korca and in some remote areas. In some regions there have been considerable increases in demand
for transmission capacity from industrial consumer or small hydro generation. These fluctuations
become stable after 2009.
Below is given: (i) the historic development of the annual consumption of electricity transmitted
by the transmission network during the period 2005-2017; (ii) Hourly Load and the (iii) Load
Duration Curve for year 2017.

Electricity in the Transmission Network 2005-2017 (GWh)

8,000

6,000
7,413
7,612

6,876

7,091
7,344
6,747

7,145

6,596
4,000
6,463
5,642

5,319

6,151
5,738

2,000

0
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Hourly Load - 2017

1600
1400
1200
1000
MW

800
600
400
200
0
1 1001 2001 3001 4001 5001 6001 7001 8001
Hours

5
Transmission System Planning & Development
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Load Duration Curve - Year 2017

1600
MW
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0 Hour
1 1001 2001 3001 4001 5001 6001 7001 8001

2.3 Losses in the Transmission Grid

As a result of Continuously Strengthen of the Transmission System, electricity losses in the
transmission network have been reduced over the years. The following graph shows the electricity
losses during the period 2005-2017.

Losses in % (2005 - 2017)

4.56%

3.73% 3.77%

3.08% 3.02% 3.03%

2.33% 2.21% 2.32% 2.25%

2.09% 2.03% 2.08%

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Implementation of very important projects has led to the strengthen of the Transmission System
and the future development of the grid will have a significant impact in reducing electricity losses.
The goal for the year 2025 is to reduce the level of losses under 2%, but for sure this is related also
by the operation conditions of the largest hydropower plants of Drini River Cascade.

6
Transmission System Planning & Development
_____________________________________________________________________________________

3. Transmission System Development Plan

During the recent years are realized and are in operation important projects that have increased
significantly: (I) The reliability of the Power System, (II) Exchange capacities with neighboring
countries and (III) Quality of service for the transmission system clients.

Other important benefits of the new projects are the reduction of non-served electricity and the
reduction of transmission losses. From 2005 to 2017 the electricity demand is increased 19%,
while electricity losses are reduced from 4.56% to 2.08%.

3.1 Forecasting electricity consumption up to 2025

Based on real consumption of electricity for the period 2005-2017 as well as the methodology
followed so far, it is needed to make an accurate and a wide range of the forecast of electricity
demand. To achieve this are carried out calculations for the three main scenarios.

The first scenario (Realistic) based on the load trend of the transmission grid over the years by
region, the second scenario (Pessimistic) is based on the calculation for a growth rate of lower
demand, and the third scenario (Optimistic), which takes into account a large increase in demand
for electricity, directly impacted by the economic development of the country. The three scenarios
are presented in the diagram below.

Long Term Forecast of Electricity Demand 2017-2027

12,000

11,000

10,000

9,000

8,000

7,000

6,000
Optimistic Op. Realistic Op. Pessimistic Op.
5,000

In the above picture it is evident that the growth of electricity demand will about 2-2.2%/y.

7
Transmission System Planning & Development
_____________________________________________________________________________________

3.2. New Generation Capacity Forecast for years 2015 - 2025

Nowadays OST is facing a large number of requests for connection of new power plants in the
transmission system and according to the forecast, in the next few years are expected to be built
several important sources of electricity, mainly hydro-power plants, and also a lot of renewables,
especially photovoltaic.

Regarding the expansion of the new generation capacity in the future are taken into account some
New large HPP as Devolli River Cascade, Fan River Cascade and some small power plants which
are under construction, but is still undefined the time of the commissioning some other big power
plants. Based on the information obtained from National Agency of Natural Resources and other
corresponding institutions, the private investments in the generation capacity that are more reliable
by 2025 are shown in the following table.

8
Transmission System Planning & Development
_____________________________________________________________________________________

9
Transmission System Planning & Development
_____________________________________________________________________________________

3.3 Albanian 400/220/110 kV Single Line Diagram for Year 2025

ALBANIAN SINGLE LINE DIAGRAM - YEAR 2020-2025

PRISHTINE

PODGORICE HPP V.DEJA HPP KOMANI HPP FIERZA

KOPLIK 5 x 50 MW 4 x 150 MW 4 x 125 MW PRIZREN

220kV
26.9MW
90MVA
Curraj 105MW
7.5 MW
Mal.Solar 110kV 345MVA
220kV 20.524MW
220kV 220kV Dragobi
Renc V.Deja

120MVA

120MVA
Shkod.1 Iballe
25MVA B.Curri B.C.Ri
Prella
110kV Shala 83.45MW

Seka

G.Zi
16.5MW
14.9MW
14.9MW
Lura

4.8MW
2x120MVA 10MVA 8.85MW
6 MW 5.8+2.3MW Fierze
Shkod.2 HPP Ulez Malla 72MW FANGU 6.38MW G.Bardhe
Ashta1 4x6.4MW Kurbnesh
Lusa1&2 7.6MW 11.3MW
Ashta2 Prella 34MW
Shutri Dardhe Klos
28.5MW PESHQESH Suc Darsi
6MW
14.8MW

2x60MVA
19.7MW
Mati
Kosmac SHKP1 30.78MW Stavec
35MW Lume
Velipoje Wind 220kV 38MW
Kalimash
2x12MW Rreshen Reps F.Arrez Kukes Prizren BURRELI Ternove
LEZHE 9.3MW
Bulqize

2x20
SHKP2 Zall Bulqize
Skuraj
Resfiks Rubik Gojan Tunel SETA
Lapaj
Lezhe Kolacem 5.35MW
120MVA Gjorice
38MW 220kV 7.6MW
9 MW 5.5 MW 11 MW 31.5MW
Lac-2 Kalivar Lumzi
Kruje
7.5 MW Lashkiza Shupenze
Mal.Solar
TITAN 220kV 10.5MW
Mamuras Vojnik Martanesh
13.6MW 5.2MW Peshkopi
F.Kuqe 14.9MW
F.Kruje
20 kV
2x63MVA

Milot
Wind Lac-1
30MW TIRANA-1 ELBASAN1 220kV
220kV ELBASAN2
Kashar 220kV
2x120MVA

2x300MVA
3x120MVA

KURUM
90MVA

Ibe 110kV 400kV

Fiber
Gostime
Farke Fe-Cr
Traktora GSA 16.1MW
Qender
Met.2 Kusarth Lunik1&2
2X150MVA

Gj.Lalez 21.5MW
Selite Cerrik NI-CO 7 MW
Fushbull
Kombinat Rapun3&4
Kajan Bitola
2X120MVA Belsh 11.34MW
2X300MVA
TIRANA3 Banje Librazhd Moglice
Sukth 71.4MW
220kV Rapun1
110kV Gramsh 8.25MW
Kucove Berat Qarisht
P.Romano
37.3MW
Shkozet 400kV
Orenje
16.72MW
Golem 2x150MVA
9.5MW 171.2MW
RRASHBULL 220kV
Uznove Hotolisht
7.77MW
Ylldon
Egnatia
6 MW
8MW

Kavaje Bushtrica
400MVA
Marinez 16.73MW
Corovode
Lushnje FIER 220kV Prenjas
2.5 MW 11MW
3x120MVA

Bishnice Sllabinje
Shpella
G.Kuq Kukur
30MW

22MW

110kV 3.6 MW Grabove

Kafaraj
2x40MVA

23MW

Vlora2 Sllab-2D

2x100MVA Novosele 30MW 20 kV

PV Pogradec
Ballsh 9.8 MW
Vlora1 4.37MW
Selenice Drenove
Llenga Lozhan
Lugano ZEMBLAK
110kV PV 2x150MVA
3.53MW
Orikum 40MW Krahes
BABICE Shushice
14.9MW 220kV 220kV Denas

Vernik Memaliaj Korce

11.68MW
220kV Pilur-1 400kV
Wind 14.97MW 6.39MW
Himare 111 MW 99.5 MW Erseke
35MW Cemerice
HPP KALIVAC HPP POCEM

Sarande Gjirokaster Gjirok.Re Tepelene Kelcyre

80MVA

97MW
12 MVA

200MW TPP VLORE

Pilur
Bistrice
Wind KARDIA
Suha1&2
150kV 10.585MW 12MW 10.35MW
3x7.5MW Igumenice Langarice

10
Transmission System Planning & Development
_____________________________________________________________________________________
In the meantime other important projects are in the implementation phase and OST has a clear plan
for the development of the transmission system.

 Recent realized projects in Albanian Transmission System

1. 400 kV Interconnection line Elbasan – Tirana – Podgorica.

The Project consists of two parts:

• Construction of new 400 kV transmission line Elbasan –
Tirana, 48 km financed by Italian Cooperation, 13 million
Euro.
• 400 kV transmission line Tirana – Podgorica, 155 km (125
km Albanian part) financed by German Government
through KfW bank, 42 million Euro.
The new 400 kV line Elbasan 2 - Tirana 2 – Podgorica was
put into operation on 10 May 2011.

2. 400/220/110 kV Tirana 2 Substation.

The project is financed by Italian Cooperation, 25.8 million

Euros and consists on:
• Two 400/220 kV autotransformers of 2x300 MVA,
• Two 220/110 kV autotransformers of 2x120 MVA,
and respective 400 kV, 220 kV and 110 kV bays for the
connection to the transmission grid. The substation was put
in fully operation on 22 July 2011.

3. Rehabilitation of eight substations of transmission system.

Rehabilitation of Transmission Substations is

realized by three projects:
• Rehabilitation of 220 kV Tirana1, Elbasan1
and Fieri Ss financed by World Bank, 17.9
million Euro.
• Rehabilitation of 220 kV Burrel Ss and 400
kV Elbasan2 Ss, financed by EBRD, 7.8
million Euro.
• Rehabilitation of 220 kV V.Deja, Koman
and Fierza Ss, financed by EBRD, 9 million
Euro.

11
Transmission System Planning & Development
_____________________________________________________________________________________

The projects consisted on the replacement of the depreciated primary equipment and in the
realization of a new monitoring control and protection system of all bays, a new automated
and computerized control system of substations.

4. The construction of the 400 kV interconnection line, Tirana 2 – Kosova B

The project is a German Government investment
financed by KfW Bank, 42 mil.€ Albanian Part
and includes:
• Substations Extension: New 120 MVAr
shunt reactor in Tirana2 Ss;
• 400 kV overhead line. Total length of the
line 242 km (162 km new line and 80 km
completion of second circuit of the part of
Tirana-Podgorica line, from Tirana to Lac
Qyrsaqe), 90 km Kosova part, and 152 km
Albanian part.

The full project was commissioned on June 2016 and the line is ready to put into
operation.

5. Strengthening of the 110 kV transmission network of the South of Albania

The project is a German Government
investment financed by KfW, 49 million Euro
and includes the construction of:
• New 110 kV line Vlore – Saranda,
approximately 105 km;
• New 110 kV line Erseke – Permet,
approximately 55 km;
• The reconstruction of the 110 kV lines
Korce – Erseke and Permet - Kelcyre-
Memaliaj approximately 79 km;
• The second circuit of double circuit line
Zemblak- Korce, 13 km.
• The strengthening of the 400/110 kV
Zemblak substation, 150 MVA.

The full project was commissioned and putted in operation in December 2015.

12
Transmission System Planning & Development
_____________________________________________________________________________________

 Ongoing Projects

1. Extension of 400 kV Koman Ss with an Auto-Transformer 400/220 kV

The project includes the:
• Extension of Koman Ss, with a new AT-345 MVA 400/220 kV, 400 kV double busbar and
two 400 kV line bays.

Benefits:
• This investment is necessary to enable a better balance between the 220 kV and 400 kV
grids by distributing the power flows generated by Koman HPP with the lowest losses;
• Significant improvement will also be felt in the voltage profile during good hydrology.

The project is under implementation stage and is expected to be in operation on the end of
2018.

 New very important Projects on the development of the transmission network

1. New 400 kV Interconnection Line Fier – Elbasan – Bitola (MK).

The project includes the:

• Construction of a new 400 kV transmission line
Elbasan - Ohrid – Bitola, 151 km
(56 km in Albania territory)
• Extension of Elbasan2 Ss and installation of new 120 MVAr
shunt reactor.
• Construction of 68 km new 400kV line, from Elbasan2- Fier.
• Extension of Fier Ss, with 1 new AT-400 MVA.

Benefits:
• Development of the existing 400kV network by closing the 400kV ring between Albania –
Macedonia – Greece,
• Improved network capacity to facilitate anticipated load and transit growth, new generation
connections, in the context of improving transmission capacity in Albania and Macedonia, and
in the Balkans region generally,

13
Transmission System Planning & Development
_____________________________________________________________________________________
• Improvement of the reliability of the regional network, the overall security of supply, and
flexibility in the operational of the power system,
• A decrease of the technical losses in the transmission system,
• Elimination of overload in the national 220 kV ring.
• Improving the quality of electricity supply (normalize the voltage levels, stabilize the load flow
and the frequency fluctuations, etc.),
• Supporting the potential to develop the regional energy market in South East Europe and creating
trading opportunities with Bulgaria and Italy,
• Mutual support between Macedonia and Albania because of complimentarily of generation types
(Albania – hydro, Macedonia – thermal),
• Reducing the cost of providing reserve capacity, and providing mutual emergency support.

The project construction phase is foreseen to start by the end of the 2019 and is expected
to be in operation on 2021.

2. New 220 kV Double Circuit Transmission Line Tirana2 – Rrashbull.

The project includes the construction of:

• New 18.5 km double circuit 220 kV line
Tirana2-Rrashbull;
• Upgrade of Rrashbull Ss with 2 AT 150 MVA
The benefits:
• This project is crucial for the Albanian transmission system because it relates
to the following problems; existing line loaded at maximum, N-1 security
criteria not fulfilled, high transmission losses, and significant amounts of
non-served electricity.
• Will improve the supply of electricity in a very broad geographical area that
includes the district of Durres, Kavaja and throughout the southern part of
Albania.
• The project fulfills the requirements of the Albanian and European legislation regarding the
environment protection.
• The proposed investment is expected to have a positive impact on the total economy and to
improve the quality of life for the Albanian population;
• The project will increase opportunities for tourism development due to the improved power
supply;

The project construction phase is foreseen to start by the beginning 2019 and is expected
to be in operation by the end of 2021.

14
Transmission System Planning & Development
_____________________________________________________________________________________
3. Construction of the 400/110 kV Tirana3 Ss and reinforcement of 110 kV Tirana Ring.

The project includes the construction of:

• Construction of a new 400/110 kV Tirana3
Substation, with 2 New AT-150 MVA.
• Reinforcement of the 110 kV Tirana transmission
network.

The benefits:
• Transit of the flow from 400 kV interconnection grid to 220 kV national grid;
• Increase the security of system operation;
• Transit of the flow from 400 kV interconnection grid to 220 kV national grid;
• Increase the security of system operation considerably;
• Greater quality of electricity supply as well as a more reliable supply for the Tirana area;
• Decrease the losses in the transmission network;
• Reduction of the non-served electricity.
• The project fulfills the requirements of the Albanian and European legislation regarding
the environment protection.

The project construction phase is foreseen to start by the beginning 2019 and is expected
to be in operation by the end of 2021.
This project and the previous one will be financed by a common financing package from
KfW Bank.

15
Transmission System Planning & Development