Devoll Hydropower Sh.A. with update high water inflows management in the Banja and Moglicë reservoirs, along the Devoll river valley

15 January 2026 — Tirana, Albania: The Devoll River catchment experienced heavy and prolonged rainfall, snowfall and snowmelt far above both meteorological forecasts and historical monthly averages between 6-15 January. As a result, the Banja and Moglicë reservoirs registered high inflows exceeding 900 m³/s The inflow continued at high levels for approximately one week, surpassing the typical inflow volume for an entire January within only four days. Reservoir levels were considerably affected in a short period of time due to the scale of the weather event, which also heavily affected the wider Seman River basin tributaries, and the country. 

When the Banja reservoir reached its maximum regulated level of 175 metre above sea level, DHP initiated controlled and gradual discharges from 9–15 January. All discharges have been managed in accordance with the technical regulations of the dams, and were significantly lower than the high inflows, particularly during the first phase of the weather event. The controlled discharges were carried out gradually and transparently. These discharges represented a fraction of the total Seman River flow and were far smaller than the inflows entering the reservoirs.

Throughout the event, the dam structure, monitoring systems, and inspection routines—including automated sensors, manual measurements, and drone-assisted observations—confirmed the full structural integrity and safety of both Banja and Moglicë dams.

DHP also maintained continuous coordination with national and local authorities starting on 6 January, well before any discharges began, and provided public updates from 8 January via is social media channel and its official website.

On 15 January, reservoir levels at Banja returned below the maximum regulated threshold, and controlled discharges were discontinued.

DHP strongly emphasizes that the hydropower reservoirs in the Devoll River basin reduce, rather than increase, the risk of flooding by retaining very large water volumes. Banja and Moglicë together account for around 50% of the Seman River basin area, contributing to reduce flooding risks during extreme weather situations. At the time flooding was first reported downstream on 7 January, no controlled discharges had been initiated from the Banja reservoir. It is important for DHP to underline this, given false information circulating in social media. 

“Climate change is already showing its effects in Albania’s weather and hydrology. In Devoll River catchment, in 2025 to date we have seen prolonged drought, wildfires and intense rainfall events. In these changing conditions, hydropower reservoirs are becoming even more important in reducing flooding risks downstream, in addition to storing and releasing water during the dry periods. Hydropower does not just generate renewable electricity—it also contributes as flood risk reduction mechanism. DHP appreciates the close coordination and cooperation with the authorities throughout this event.” says Rigela Gegprifti, Statkraft’s Country Manager in Albania.  

This event occurred only two months after a similar severe weather situation in November 2025. Controlled releases from Banja hydropower plant have been implemented in earlier years at same or similar levels as in January 2025, with different peak inflow patterns as follows:

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