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.

What are the opportunities for solar energy deployment in Albania?

Opportunities for the deployment of solar energy are extensive. Albania’s solar insolation is very high throughout most of its territory at more than 1 500 kWh/m2 annually, with peaks of 1 753 kWh/m2 annually, particularly in the western part of the country.

What is Albania's energy sector strategy?

In 2018, Albania adopted its National Energy Sector Strategy, which examined various energy development scenarios and set forth a series of key indicators and objectives that will shape Albanian’s energy sector over the period from 2018 to 2030 (Table 2). Most notably, the strategy stipulated a 42% share of renewable energy in the TPES by 2030.

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.

How much energy does Albania need to save?

According to these, Albania needs to achieve a 52 per cent share of renewables in gross final consumption of energy. To boost energy efficiency and energy savings, it also needs to cap primary energy consumption at 2.6 Mtoe and final energy consumption at 2.4 Mtoe by 2030.