Should Albania's energy mix include more renewables?

While Albania’s energy mix already features one of the highest shares of renewables in the region owing to its extensive installed hydropower capacity, the essential need remains for a more secure, cost-competitive national energy supply. Diversifying the electricity mix to include more renewables would strengthen Albania’s energy security.

Is solar a viable alternative to electricity in Albania?

A move toward more solar is partly an attempt to diversify Albania’s electricity sources. In “ Evaluation and integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems in Albanian energy landscape,” which was recently published in Solar Compass, the scientists said that solar is an adaptable and affordable alternative, given Albania’s sunny climate.

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.

Could solar power reduce Albania's reliance on energy imports?

Albanian researchers say that solar could be key to reducing Albania’s reliance on energy imports, but the nation will need to invest in grid infrastructure, streamline laws, and enhance access to funding to support deployment.

What is the potential for solar PV development in Albania?

IRENA’s CESEC study proposes in its REmap scenario a solar PV installed capacity of 1 074 MW by 2030, with annual generation potential of 1 697 GWh. Figure 8b shows suitable areas for solar PV development and highlights zones of highest potential for development in Albania.

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.