The Albanian government has announced the approval of two new solar panel parks and an agreement on two gas fields, as a part of a continued bid to diversify the country’s energy sector.
Albania currently generates. almost 100% hydropower, but as it is unable to store it, much is sold and then fossil energy is purchased at a higher price from neighbouring countries.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine and pushes to reduce dependence on energy from the east, Albania has moved to gasify and explore renewable and sustainable energy sources.
Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Belinda Balluku addressed journalists on Wednesday to announce the plans.
“Today, we have approved two photovoltaic parks which will be built in the Korca region, each of 20 MW without support from the Albanian state as they will be a totally private investment. It is an investment from local entities, but coincides with a very difficult situation in terms of electricity,” she said.
“Another decision is the draft decision for the approval of the hydrocarbon agreement with the production division for the development and production of hydrocarbons in the natural gas source in Frakull and Povelce.”
She added that both gas wells were owned by state company Albpetrol but would be transferred to private entities. However, the government will invest some $500,000 during the exploration phase, “an important investment in the condition of crisis”, Balluku told the media.
