Production is expected to begin by 2010. Energy will travel through a power cable stretching from the Albanian port of Vlora to Italy’s Brindisi, at a depth of 825m.

“In the near future, [the cable] could enhance the import of energy produced by conventional plants that [we] intend to develop on Albanian soil,” said a statement from Moncada Construzioni. In August, the Albanian government approved the use of forest and pastureland in the municipality of Vlora for development of the wind park.

Experts say the potential for similar projects exists at a number of locations in Albania — especially in the lowlands, along the coast and in the hills. The Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERE) has now licensed several companies to develop this potential.