The hydroelectric power stations at Ulëz and Shkopet were built in 1957 as part of a cascading arrangement along the Mat River in the northern region of Albania. These installations bore the names Karl Marx and Frederick Engels during the era of communism.
Ulëz boasts a capacity of 25.2 MW, yielding an annual production of 110 GWh. Downstream from Ulëz and operational since 1963, Shkopet has a combined capacity of 24 MW, generating 90 GWh of electricity annually.
The history of these power plants unfolds as follows: Initial plans for the Mat River facility were drawn up by Yugoslav experts. Yet, due to strained diplomatic relations between the two nations, this collaboration came to a halt. Despite this setback, the Ulza Hydropower Plant persevered and was eventually built with the expertise of Soviet engineers, becoming operational in 1957.
A distinctive feature of the Ulza Hydropower Plant is its machinery room located within the dam structure itself, comprising an impressive 260 thousand cubic meters of concrete.
Shkopet HPP is distinguished as the third hydropower installation in Albania and the second on the Mat River. Previously known as “Friederich Engels,” this facility embarked on its initial phases in 1959. With the guidance of Soviet specialists and engineers, the project began in the Shkopet Gorge. However, the disintegration of official relations between the two nations by the end of 1961 left the collaborative effort unfinished.
Nevertheless, the construction persisted under the supervision of Albanian specialists and engineers, culminating in its completion and activation by 1963. A pivotal aspect of this hydropower plant’s construction was the erection of a 47.7-meter-tall dam, characterized by its graceful arching shape.
After the privatization of these power plants, Kurum International, the exclusive iron complex covering around 85% of the local market, embarked on electricity generation. This endeavor was realized through the acquisition of four Hydraulic Power Plants in 2013.
These hydropower installations excel at generating abundant energy to meet the demands of the iron plants in Elbasan. This collaborative synergy empowers these facilities to evolve into integrated units that autonomously generate the required electricity for their operations. The surplus electricity generated is then made available for sale within the domestic market.
The Shkopet hydropower plant, which is 60 years old, is currently undergoing a complete revamping project. The machinery for the project is being provided by Voith Hydro company, while the electrical and control systems are being supplied by Sintaksa d.o.o., Croatia