Austria’s Verbund has signed a power-purchase agreement for Albania’s 72.6 MW Spille Wind Park, the first project selected in the country’s first wind auction to reach construction readiness. Commercial operation is targeted for the first quarter of 2028.
Spille is described as Albania’s first wind project to secure all permits and prerequisites for construction. Verbund Green Power and Nordex may establish a turbine-supply framework covering up to 700 MW across several European markets, including Albania.
Albania’s first wind auction took place in 2023 and awarded 222.5 MW, more than double the initial 100 MW on offer. The awards were made under 15-year contracts for difference prepared with support from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
The project’s construction readiness shows the auction moving from policy design toward physical assets. Albania’s heavy reliance on hydropower leaves its electricity system vulnerable to rainfall variability, while wind can provide a different production profile and diversify electricity production.
Alongside the project development, the Bank of Albania has presented a draft national green taxonomy developed with support from the European Investment Bank (EIB). The taxonomy could give lenders clearer eligibility and risk criteria for assessing sustainability claims.
The framework is relevant as Albania moves from hydro-dominated public assets toward more private financing for wind and solar. The World Bank estimates the country needs about $6 billion in climate-adaptation investment over the next decade.
Spille’s commercial operation remains targeted for the first quarter of 2028.
