The EcoPark Vau i Dejës Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) was developed for a utility-scale photovoltaic power plant with an installed capacity of 45.4 MWdc (41.4 MWac) in the Vau i Dejës Municipality, northern Albania. The assessment covers three photovoltaic development zones and associated infrastructure, including the substation, access roads and an approximately 2.17 km, 110 kV overhead transmission line, evaluating environmental and social implications across the project lifecycle.
The study integrates environmental baseline investigations, biodiversity field surveys, environmental quality monitoring, socio-economic assessments and stakeholder engagement. Ecological surveys conducted between 2024 and 2026 assessed habitats, flora, fauna and sensitive environmental receptors, including woodland, scrub vegetation, seasonal wetlands, drainage channels and the Drin River corridor. The assessment also evaluates land-use conditions, local livelihoods, community infrastructure, public health and safety, and potential impacts associated with construction and operation.
The environmental and social assessment was developed with reference to Albanian environmental legislation and the EBRD Environmental and Social Policy 2024. In addition to the ESIA, the scope includes the preparation of an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP), Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) and Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP). Together, these documents establish the proposed mitigation measures, environmental monitoring requirements, biodiversity protection strategies, stakeholder engagement procedures and management responsibilities intended to support project permitting, responsible construction and long-term environmental and social performance.
