TIRANA, Albania — During the peak of the July heatwave, away from the attention of much of the public, one of Albania’s most debated energy projects is receiving another major financial commitment from state funds.
The Albanian Power Corporation (KESH) has officially launched a procurement procedure with a limit fund of 1.892 billion lekë, equivalent to more than €20.1 million, for the operation and maintenance of the Vlorë thermal generating asset.
However, unlike a typical energy investment aimed at increasing electricity production, the funds are not intended to build new capacity or generate additional power. They are allocated for maintaining two floating electricity-generating vessels, commonly known as the floating TECs or the “Tigers” of Triport in Vlorë.
Millions Spent on Floating Plants with Limited Energy Output
The rental of the two floating power plants in the Bay of Vlorë has long been considered one of the most controversial energy expenditures undertaken by the Albanian state.
Since their arrival and anchoring in the Triport area, the vessels have faced criticism over their limited contribution to the national electricity system, while continuing to generate significant costs.
The expenses associated with the project include:
- Monthly rental payments amounting to hundreds of thousands of euros;
- Fuel and operational costs;
- Insurance expenses for the assets;
- Salaries and technical personnel costs;
- Continuous maintenance requirements.
Over time, concerns have also been raised about the condition of the vessels, with visible signs of aging and corrosion appearing while their contribution to Albania’s energy production remains limited.
New High-Value Procurement Procedure
According to the procurement documents, the official object of the tender is:
“Operation and maintenance of the Thermal Generating Asset, Vlorë.”
The procedure falls under the category of an open tender above the high monetary threshold, with a projected value of €20.1 million.
Critics of the project argue that, instead of reassessing the economic efficiency of the floating plants, the state continues to allocate significant funds to preserve and maintain assets whose long-term benefit remains a subject of public debate.
Another Costly Energy Project Stands Nearby
The financial concerns surrounding Vlorë’s floating power plants become more evident when compared with another unfinished energy project located nearby — the Vlorë Thermal Power Plant on land.
The land-based TEC, which reportedly cost the Albanian state around €130 million, has remained largely inactive for years due to technical problems, particularly issues related to its cooling system.
This has created a situation where Albania is simultaneously spending millions of euros to preserve an inactive thermal power plant on land while committing additional tens of millions to maintain floating generation units at sea.
Questions Over Energy Strategy and Public Spending
The latest KESH procurement has renewed debate over Albania’s energy strategy, public spending priorities, and the financial burden placed on state institutions.
While authorities have previously argued that energy security requires strategic investments and reserve capacity, critics continue to question whether the costs of these projects correspond to their actual contribution to the country’s electricity needs.
The new €20.1 million maintenance contract places the Vlorë floating power plants once again at the center of discussions about transparency, efficiency, and the management of public resources in Albania’s energy sector.