Stakeholder Engagement
Which communities are located near the project and may be affected by project activities?
The project is located in the municipalities of Divjake and Fier and is close to several villages, including Hasturkas, Ndernenas, Karavasta e Re, Adriatik, Seman, Seman i Ri, Sulaj, Dermenas, Radostine, Vadhize, Zhupan, Clirim, Drize, and Peshtan i Vogel
These communities have been identified as key stakeholders because they may be affected, either directly or indirectly, by activities related to the solar plant and the transmission line.
How will communities be informed about upcoming works?
Voltalia will provide information through community meetings, notices, leaflets, and direct engagement with stakeholders. The Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) describes how communication will be maintained throughout the project.
How can I share my opinion, ask questions or submit a complaint about the project?
Community members can participate in meetings, consultations, household visits, and other engagement activities organized by the project. In addition, the Project has established a Grievance Mechanism, which is a free process that allows anyone to submit questions, concerns, suggestions, or complaints related to the project.
Where can I find more information about the project?
Additional information is available in the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), Livelihood Restoration Plan (LRP), Guideline to Land Acquisition and Compensation (GLAC), and other project documents available on this website. These documents provide detailed information on the project impacts, mitigation measures, stakeholder engagement activities, compensation principles, and livelihood restoration commitments.
How long will stakeholder engagement continue?
Stakeholder engagement will continue throughout the project’s different phases, including development, construction, operation, and eventual decommissioning.
Land and Agriculture
Will the project affect agricultural activities?
Some agricultural land may be temporarily or permanently affected, particularly in relation to the transmission line and access routes. The project has assessed these impacts and will implement compensation and livelihood restoration measures for eligible affected landowners and land users.
Will anyone lose their home because of the project?
No. Studies undertaken for the project concluded that there will be no physical displacement of households or residential buildings. No households are expected to be relocated because of the project.
What happens if my land or crops are affected?
Affected landowners and land users may be eligible for compensation and other support measures. The Livelihood Restoration Plan (LRP) explains principles for compensation, livelihood restoration, and additional assistance when required.
If compensation is provided, how are compensation rates determined?
The Project is committed to providing fair compensation in line with Albanian legislation and applicable internation standards. To establish compensation rates, Voltalia commissioned an independent market study undertaken by an international consultant. The study assessed local land values, crops, and other relevant economic factors within the Project area.
The findings of this study have been incorporated into the Guideline to Land Acquisition and Compensation (GLAC), which sets out the principles, methodology, and compensation rates applied by the Project. The guideline is intended to ensure that compensation is transparent, consistent, and reflects prevailing market conditions.
How will affected livelihoods be restored?
The Project may provide measures such as land reinstatement after construction, agricultural advice, support for restoring agricultural productivity, monitoring of affected parcels, and additional support for vulnerable households where needed. These measures are described in the LRP.
Environment & Impact Assessment
How has Voltalia assessed the potential impact of the project?
Voltalia commissioned an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) to identify and evaluate potential environmental and social impacts. The ESIA also defines measures to avoid, reduce, manage, and monitor these impacts throughout the project lifecycle.
How will the environment be protected?
The Project includes environmental management and mitigation measures covering biodiversity, natural habitats, land use, water resources, community health and safety, cultural heritage etc. These measures were developed through the ESIA process and will be monitored during project implementation.
Detailed information on how to submit grievance, the communication channels available, and the process used to review and respond to submissions can be found in the Grievance Mechanism document available on this website.
How has the project tried to avoid impacts on people and land?
The project design has been refined several times to reduce impacts, including adjustments to the transmission line route, avoiding residential areas where possible, minimizing impacts on agricultural land and perennial crops, and locating infrastructure to reduce disruption to farming activities.
