TIRANA, Oct 24 /ATA/ – Infrastructure and energy sector will get a big boost in the state budget 2022 proposed by the Albanian government, that has chosen to spend significantly on national roads infrastructure, power sector, clean energy, ports and digital infrastructure and so on.
The Llogara Tunnel project, construction of Tirana and Gjirokaster bypass roads, funding a series of sections of Tirana Big Ring Road project are some of the infrastructure projects due to be funded under the next year’s state budget, the Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Belinda Balluku said on Sunday.
Infrastructure Minister Balluku noted that the country’s power sector will attract the largest share on investments next year.
According to her, the government will set up a sovereign guarantee fund of 100 million euros for the Power Distribution Operator (OSHEE) in a bid to protect the residential and small business consumers from the effects of the energy crisis that has gripped entire world.
Balluku said that the state budget will also fund the finance a project to upgrade Fierza hydropower plant, the country’s largest HPP.
This project is of a paramount importance as the country produces over 90% of its electricity from hydro power plants and supplies nearly 60% of the total country electricity demand, through operations of the three large HPPs on the Drin River cascade.
Rehabilitation of this hydropower plant, built about 40 years ago in the Drin River cascade, will increase efficiency, reduce maintenance costs thanks to the installation of high-tech equipment and help reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
The state budget will also provide funds for further development of port infrastructure in accordance with the approved master plan of port areas.
The budget also includes funding of projects on development of digital infrastructure in Albania’s North and South.
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