Why does Albania need to import energy?

Changing weather patterns over the years have forced the country to import energy to cover domestic needs, as a lack of storage capacity requires Albania to sell its generated power during peak months of production.

How can Albania solve the energy crisis?

In addition to eliminating the electricity deficit and taking electrification to new sectors, Albania can increase its potential to unlock new industries and investment using clean energy. The country can explore opportunities to produce green hydrogen through solar and wind power.

Is Albania a good place to invest in renewables?

Opportunities for renewables, and especially for solar and wind energy, are extensive in Albania. According to IRENA’s Renewables Readiness Assessment report (2021), the solar radiation is very high throughout most of its territory, with the country enjoying some of Europe’s highest number of sunshine hours per year.

Does Albania need a diversified energy production mix?

The government of Albania seems to have already acknowledged the need for a diversified energy production mix. The Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Belinda Balluku, has repeatedly highlighted that one of the key pillars of focus is the national strategy on energy diversification.

Is Albania a net energy importer?

Today, Albania remains a net energy importer as domestic energy production is not able to meet demand. When it comes to renewable energy imports, Eurostat data shows that the country ranks 8 th in Europe.

Does Albania need emergency power imports?

Namely, the capacities are insufficient to cover Albania’s consumption and increasingly frequent droughts are boosting the need for emergency power imports. So far only the photovoltaic segment has shown solid growth. Albania hosts the largest solar power plant in the Western Balkans – Karavasta.