HPP Vriela is a 2.0 MW high-head run-of-river hydropower project located on the Vriela Stream, a tributary of the Cem i Selcës River in the mountainous region of Malësia e Madhe, Shkodër County, northern Albania. The project is designed to utilize the significant natural elevation difference and available water resources of the catchment through a compact hydropower diversion scheme.
The hydropower scheme is designed for a discharge of 0.84 m³/s, with a gross hydraulic head of 289.55 m and a net head of approximately 274.80 m. Its main infrastructure comprises a Tyrolean-type concrete intake weir, three auxiliary water intakes, sediment management facilities, a polyethylene diversion pipeline, a pressure basin, and an approximately 850 m steel penstock connecting the hydraulic system to the downstream powerhouse.
The powerhouse is designed to accommodate two Pelton turbine-generator units, providing a combined installed capacity of 2.0 MW. The high-head configuration is optimized for efficient energy conversion under variable seasonal river flows, with an estimated average annual electricity generation of approximately 7.47 GWh and a design capacity factor of around 43%.
The project has reached an advanced development and regulatory stage, having secured its environmental approval, final grid connection point approval, positive AKBN technical review, and both preliminary and final authorizations from MIE.
