Although threatened by a looming dam on the Vjosa, the successful installation of solar power in the sunkissed Albanian village of Kutë proves that the destruction of Europe’s last wild river is not necessary.
Objectives
The Vjosa river’s social and cultural values to the Kutë Community are irreplaceable. It has a special and crucial place in their daily lives. Its terraces provide the village with fertile land for agricultural activities such as crop production and livestock farming. The abundance and diversity of fish is vital for the economy and the well-being of local fishermen.
On the other hand, recreational tourism on the Vjosa and its tributaries is ever-increasing, particularly in recent years in which enthusiasts have started to enjoy activities such as rafting, canoeing, kayaking etc. Many small-scale business and new emerging ecotourism companies have based their existence on the free-flowing waters on the Vjosa.
After a successful fundraising campaign, Kutë now has PV units that provide energy for its public buildings and power a new streetlighting system for the village. The next goal is to make Kutë an entirely energy-self-sufficient community.
We want to prove that there is no need for hydropower if Albania’s vast amounts of sunshine can be harnessed to produce energy and create income for every community.
With the further provision of clean, reliable, and affordable solar power, we can direct the economic future of Albania towards sustainability.
Kutë community has been actively involved in the successful fight against the Poçem hydropower project on the Vjosa. Because of the village’s location, it would be severely affected by the suspended water supply. But, together with EcoAlbania, the villagers have proven that a steady energy provision without hydropower is easily achievable. Kutë as the country’s first solar village, has become a milestone project for sustainable development in Albania.
