Although threatened by a hydroelectric plant in its vicinity, the successful installation of solar panels for the production of electricity in the village of Kuta proves that the destruction of the last wild river in Europe is not necessary.
The social and cultural values of the Vjosa River for the Kuta community are irreplaceable. Vjosa occupies a special and essential place in their daily life. Its terraces provide the village with fertile land for agricultural activities such as crop production and animal husbandry. The abundance and diversity of fish is essential to the economy and well-being of local fishermen. On the other hand, recreational tourism in Vjosa and its tributaries is always growing, especially in recent years where enthusiasts have started to enjoy various sports activities: such as rafting, canoeing, kayaking, etc. Many small businesses and new enterprises in the field of ecotourism have based their existence on the free-flowing waters of the Vjosa River.
After a successful fundraising campaign, Kuta now has a solar panel system that powers its public buildings and creates a new street lighting system for the village.
Through “Solar in Kuta” we aim to show that there is no need for hydropower plants if the high potential of solar energy in Albania can be used to produce energy and generate income for every community. By further securing clean, reliable and affordable solar energy, we can steer Albania’s economic future towards sustainability.
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Kuta has been actively involved in the successful battle against the Poçem hydropower project in Vjosa, due to the location of the village, which would be severely affected by the flood caused by the dam. But, together with EcoAlbania, residents have proven that providing energy sustainably without hydropower is easily achievable. Kuta, as the country’s first solar village, has become an important project for sustainable development in Albania.