Devoll Hydropower Sh.A. informs on the management of high water inflows in the Banja and Moglicë reservoirs, in the Devoll River valley, during the period November 2025 – February 2026

28 February 2026 — Tirana, Albania: Since November 2025, the Seman River basin has faced unstable hydrometeorological conditions characterized by intense rainfall and high river inflows, significantly exceeding historical averages. The catchment area of the Devoll cascade, which includes the Moglicë and Banja hydropower plants, represents approximately 50% of the total drainage area of the Seman River basin. The flows of the Seman River are directly influenced by the unregulated flow of the Osum River and other tributaries.

During this period, the Moglicë and Banja reservoirs have managed very large water volumes, with controlled discharges carried out in accordance with dam regulations. These operations have contributed to mitigating peak flows and reducing flood risk, not increasing it. Discharges from the Banja hydropower plant represent only a portion of the total flow of the Seman River and have been significantly lower than the inflows entering the Devoll cascade.

Hydrometeorological Context

The period from November 2025 to February 2026 has been characterized by repeated episodes of intense rainfall and high inflows. After a November with precipitation above historical averages, episodes of heavy rainfall affected the region for nearly four months, resulting in cumulative precipitation totals exceeding long-term averages.

This situation was further aggravated by soil saturation and the phenomenon known as “rain-on-snow,” whereby atmospheric fronts with above-seasonal temperatures caused rapid melting of snowpacks in mountainous and rugged terrain. As a result, significant volumes of water were directed into river basins that were already overloaded.

The combined effects of repeated intense rainfall, saturated soils, and additional inflows from snowmelt led to a continuous cycle of river surges and landslides, causing flooding in several areas of the country, including the Seman River basin.

These conditions followed a prolonged drought period from January to October 2025. The abrupt transition from extremely dry conditions to persistent heavy rainfall significantly worsened the hydrological response of the catchments. Preliminary analyses of the November 2025 – February 2026 period indicate anomalous conditions compared to historical averages.

By February 2026 in particular, soils had become supersaturated, with very limited absorption capacity. Consequently, even moderate rainfall events generated very high river inflows.

Inflows and Hydropower Plant Operations

As during the November 2025 – January 2026 period—when exceptionally high inflows were recorded in the Devoll cascade, with hourly peaks of around 1,500 m³/s in November and over 900 m³/s in January—hydrometeorological conditions in the Seman basin remained highly unstable during February 2026.

In February 2026, maximum hourly inflows into the Devoll cascade reservoirs exceeded 450 m³/s, while controlled discharges from the Banja hydropower plant remained significantly lower than inflows. This level of discharge represents normal operation under high inflow conditions. Similar or higher discharge levels have been regularly applied in previous years since the start of Banja hydropower plant operations in 2016, in line with dam regulations. All structures at the Banja and Moglicë hydropower plants continue to operate within full safety parameters.

Clarifications Regarding Media Publications

DHP has observed media publications attributing flooding in the Seman River basin to discharges from the Banja hydropower plant. These claims do not reflect the reality of the hydro-meteorological  situation.

The management of high inflows at the Banja and Moglicë hydropower plants has contributed to reducing flood risk throughout the period November 2025 – February 2026 by significantly smoothing peak inflow curves. DHP reiterates that allegations suggesting floods were caused by the operation of the Banja hydropower plant are inaccurate.

When such hydro-meteorological events that have occurred in these months happen, it is not possible to fully avoid negative consequences. However, technical analyses by field experts show that hydropower plants, as part of an integrated water resources management system, play a positive role in reducing downstream flood risk by attenuating peak flows during extreme events. While it is understandable that during floods visible infrastructure such as dams attracts public attention, floods are not the result of a single action or structure, but rather the interaction of extreme weather conditions, the territory and its transformation, and the functioning of the natural areas to mitigate the inflows.

Such events highlight the need for deeper analysis of climate change impacts and for coordinated adaptation measures by all relevant stakeholders.

Communication and Transparency

DHP regularly exchanges information with authorities from the early stages of discharge operations and informs the public transparently through its official website and social media channels. Controlled discharges are standard operational procedures, carried out based on hydrometeorological conditions, while reservoir monitoring is conducted in real time.

For additional information, please contact:
Devoll Hydropower Sh.A.
Email: info.albania@statkraft.com
Website: www.statkraft.al