Mapping of hydropower plant in Albania, using Geographic Information System © HELP-CSO project Compiled and prepared by: Author: Lorela Lazaj 1, Rineldi Xhelilaj 2 EcoAlbania 1GIS expert;
[email protected] Miliekontakt Albania 2Architect;
[email protected] LexFerenda April 2017 1 of 37 Mapping of hydropower plant in Albania, using Geographic Information System Abstract: The hydropower industry business has been growing very fast in Albania since 2007. Few studies have been published recently about the environmental and social impacts of this industry. Mapping of the existing hydropower plants and those which are planned to be developed is a must, in order to understand and estimate the consequences and to develop the proper conservation plans. GIS is shown to be a very useful tool, in environmental management and protection in different fields, including hydrology. This paper includes: a desk research on the identification of hydropower plants’ geographic location, and additional data associated with each one such as: the company’s name, power, capacity, basin, etc.; also the mapping and classification of the hydropower in different categories. The purpose of this project is to: create an open geodatabase, available to everyone who needs the information regarding the existing and planned hydropower plants in Albania; create an interactive map integrated into the webpage; mapping the HPPs conflicts. Keywords: GIS; hydropower; Albania; hydrology; environment; dam; protected areas Partnership was considered as a great 1. Introduction opportunity for the sector of hydropower. Albania is located in the western part of the Therefore, the interest for the hydropower sector Balkan Peninsula. Its hydrographic territory has grew rapidly, by providing enormous benefits a surface of 44,000 km square, with an average for the private sector and at the same time height of the hydrographic territory of about 700 meeting people’s needs for electricity.