A massive environmental catastrophe is brewing in the heart of Albania. The Roskovec power plant, spearheaded by Bashkim Ulaj and his Greek partners, is not just another corruption-fueled project—it is a direct threat to air quality, water resources, and biodiversity in the region. This is no longer just a matter of political favoritism or corporate greed—this is an existential crisis for Albania’s environment, one that could leave behind an ecological wasteland for generations to come.
Toxic Air Pollution: A Ticking Time Bomb in Albania
The real pollution levels from the power plant are 32 times higher than permitted limits!
Manipulated environmental impact assessment reports have deliberately downplayed the actual emissions of CO₂, which experts estimate will reach 595,292 tons per year. This is an environmental disaster that will not just poison the air in Fier but will spread across Albania’s southwestern regions, making life unbearable for thousands.
But CO₂ is just the tip of the iceberg. The plant will also release nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and deadly PM2.5 particulates into the air, leading to:
- A surge in respiratory and cardiovascular diseases
- Acid rain that will destroy local agriculture
- A drastic decline in air quality, making life miserable for local communities
These pollutants don’t just disappear. Fine particles like PM2.5 are particularly dangerous, as they can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing cancer, chronic bronchitis, and asthma. In a country already struggling with industrial pollution, introducing a massive toxic emission source will push public health to the brink of collapse.
Water Crisis: The Poisoning of the Gjanica River and Drinking Supply
One of the most catastrophic effects of this power plant will be the depletion and contamination of water resources. This facility will consume 40,000 cubic meters of water annually, severely straining local water supplies and endangering the Gjanica River’s ecosystem.
If the plant operates at full capacity, it will consume up to 28% of the area’s total water supply, leading to an unprecedented water shortage crisis. But the real danger comes from the pollution of these water sources. The plant will discharge industrial wastewater laden with:
- Heavy metals that will kill river flora and fauna
- Toxic chemicals that can seep into drinking water supplies
- Excessively hot water, disrupting aquatic life and causing mass die-offs
Environmental experts have warned that water discharged from the plant could raise river temperatures by up to 12°C, far exceeding legal limits and wiping out fish species and plant life in the river. This is irreversible damage—a death sentence for the local ecosystem.
Toxic Soil Contamination and Agricultural Devastation
If the air pollution and water depletion weren’t alarming enough, the very soil of Roskovec and Fier is also at risk. Natural gas, while often marketed as a cleaner energy source, produces significant toxic waste. If this plant operates for 8,560 hours a year, the surrounding land will accumulate:
- Tungsten and chromium, which will destroy soil fertility
- Acid rain fallout, fueled by nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide
- Hazardous solid waste, posing severe risks to human health
Farmers in Roskovec and Fier, who rely on this land for their livelihood, will face plummeting crop yields and widespread contamination. Many will lose their way of life and be forced to abandon their farms, leading to a social and economic crisis. This is an environmental crime with devastating human consequences.
Who Is Profiting From Albania’s Environmental Destruction?
This ecological disaster is not a coincidence—it is a carefully orchestrated scheme to benefit a handful of oligarchs. While Bashkim Ulaj and his partners amass millions in profits, ordinary Albanians will be left to deal with polluted air, contaminated water, and destroyed farmland.
Instead of investing in renewable energy sources, Albania is being turned into a dumping ground for hazardous, high-emission energy projects, with zero accountability, no transparency, and no protection for the public. Will we allow this scandal to unfold without resistance?
Urgent Action Needed to Stop This Destruction
The Roskovec power plant must be stopped immediately. We demand:
- A full investigation into manipulated environmental impact reports
- An independent audit of the project’s air, water, and land contamination risks
- A comprehensive reform to ensure that such projects are subject to strict environmental scrutiny
Time is running out. If this power plant goes online, its devastating consequences will last for decades—a permanent ecological scar on Albania’s landscape.
This is not just a scandal—this is an environmental crime.
Source: This article is based on a letter addressed to the Secretariat of the Energy Community, prepared with the joint expertise of civil society organizations under the Movement for Energy and Climate (LEK).