International Finance Corporation (IFC) played a key role in helping the Republic of Albania structure and implements it first large public-private partnership (PPP) transaction in the energy sector, which brought a strong and reliable international investor into the country. Verbund, Austria's largest electricity company won a 35-year concession to build and operate the Ashta plant, the first major hydropower plant built in Albania in 30 years. Verbund will invest more than 20 million in the project, resulting in an expected savings on Albania's electricity imports in excess of 5 million during the first five years of the plant's operation. The Ashta hydropower plant is a great example of how IFC involvement can bring about real change by fostering innovative solutions.