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Koman Hydroelectric Power Station
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The Koman Hydroelectric Power Station is a cornerstone of Albania's energy infrastructure, forming part of the Drin River cascade in the northern part of the country. Constructed between 1980 and 1988 during the socialist era, it represented a major engineering feat for the nation. The plant is home to an installed capacity of 600 megawatts, generated by four large Francis turbines. The completion of the 115-meter-high rock-fill dam created Lake Koman, which has since become a vital transport corridor for isolated mountain communities. Koman plays a decisive role in stabilizing the national power grid and enables Albania to export electricity to the regional Balkan market during high-water years. Continuous technical maintenance and modernization of the facility are strategic priorities for maintaining national energy security. Situated within a deep canyon, the station's construction remains one of the most significant industrial achievements in modern Albanian history.
- Location: Albania
- Top sights: Komani Lake · Kalaja e Dalmacës · Kisha Peshkopale
- Nearby: Lake Koman (9 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 1 | 2 | 6 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 23 | 23 | 18 | 12 | 8 | 2 |
| Rain mm | 124 | 114 | 110 | 87 | 78 | 56 | 33 | 34 | 93 | 115 | 150 | 142 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Koman Hydroelectric Plant is one of Albania's most significant power stations on the Drin River, harnessing strong currents in a deep canyon. It supplies a large share of Albania's electricity and symbolizes the country's energy independence.
Visiting
The plant itself is not open to the public as a protected facility. The spectacular Koman Reservoir and surrounding gorges can be admired on a boat ride or from viewpoints along the road.
Where to view it
An excellent viewpoint is the road bridge above the dam, offering a view of the deep canyon and lake. The viewing platform on the eastern shore near the ferry dock also provides a wide vista of the water.
Local products
In villages around the reservoir like Koman and Fushë-Arrëz, travelers can buy fresh fish from the lake and locally produced raki. Hand-knitted wool items and herbs from the surrounding mountains are also available.
Active season
Power generation is stable year-round, with peaks in spring and autumn when the Drin is high. The tourist boat season on the reservoir focuses on summer months from May to October.
Nearby
Combine the visit with a ride on the famous Koman Ferry, which travels through the gorges to Lake Fierza. The nearby thermal springs of Bënja are also worth a trip.
Geography
Facts
- The installed capacity is 600 MW, distributed across four turbines.
- The dam stands 115 meters high and is constructed from rock-fill.
- Construction spanned eight years and was officially completed in 1988.
- Koman generates an average of approximately 2 billion kilowatt-hours annually.
- The associated reservoir covers an area of about 12 square kilometers.
- The power plant is operated by the state-owned utility KESH.
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Notable places around
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Sights in the town Koman Hydroelectric Power Station (4)
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Frequently asked questions
Can you visit the Koman hydroelectric plant?
The interior is closed to the public, but the impressive dam wall is clearly visible from the ferry terminal.
How high is the Koman dam?
The dam is about 115 meters high and dams the Drin River into one of Albania's most spectacular lakes.
When was the power plant built?
It was built in the 1980s during the communist era to ensure energy independence.
How do you get to the Koman reservoir?
The road from Shkodra is bumpy; many use minibuses to reach the ferry terminal for the trip to Fierza.
What role does Koman play in power supply?
It is one of the most important sources of renewable energy in Albania and supplies electricity to large parts of the country.
Koman Hydroelectric Power Station: where is it located?
Koman Hydroelectric Power Station is located in Albania.
Koman Hydroelectric Power Station: what is there to see?
Highlights include Komani Lake, Kalaja e Dalmacës, Kisha Peshkopale.
Koman Hydroelectric Power Station: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Koman Hydroelectric Power Station: why is it worth visiting?
The Koman Hydroelectric Power Station is a cornerstone of Albania's energy infrastructure, forming part of the Drin River cascade in the northern part of the country.
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