BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 22. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved a sovereign-guaranteed loan of up to 22.5 million euros to Operatori i Shpërndarjes së Energjisë Elektrike (OSHEE), Albania’s state-owned electricity distribution and supply company, Trend reports.
The loan will finance the construction of a new underground 110/20 kV substation in central Tirana. The project will replace an outdated facility with Albania’s first underground and digitally operated substation. It will also be the first of its kind in the Western Balkans.
Initially estimated at 14.5 million euros, the project's cost has risen by approximately 8 million euros due to inflationary pressures, revised technical specifications, and final engineering requirements.
The substation is expected to enhance operational efficiency, supply quality, and workplace safety. OSHEE will also implement organisational and training programmes to support its transition to digital infrastructure.
