TIRANA, March 27/ATA/ Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi stated today that Albania plans to launch a new renewable energy auction in Q3 2026, prioritizing the strengthening of its transmission network to support the new capacity.
During the Foreign Investors Association conference, the minister stated that Albania has successfully diversified its energy portfolio, with solar power now constituting a significant 10% of total domestic electricity production.
Karakaçi assessed that photovoltaic projects through auctions have brought qualitative investments and new standards of transparency and competitiveness, while emphasizing that the private sector has invested even beyond the support schemes.
“Hence, we are pleased to announce a new renewable energy auction scheduled for Q3 2026, in continued partnership with the EBRD”, said the minister.
He noted that the focus has shifted from generation to transmission infrastructure and international interconnection.
“If we want to increase generation capacities, we must invest in transmission, in parallel. Albania aims to become a key energy hub in the region”, said the minister.
In this context, he mentioned the projects for the connection with North Macedonia, the double-increase of capacities with Greece and the interconnection with Italy.
The minister also described the operationalization of the Albanian energy stock exchange ALPEX as a success, emphasizing its role in increasing security for project financing.
According to him, the strategic aim is for Albania to turn from an importing country into a net exporter of energy by 2030, ensuring energy sovereignty.
Karakaçi also emphasized the significance of energy efficiency and announced that work is underway to create a special fund in this regard.
He also highlighted the building of self-production capacities, which have reached about 400 MW, as well as measures to reduce losses and improve the financial sustainability of the sector.
The minister also focused on the significance of investments in human resources and the creation of the Energy Academy, in cooperation with international partners.
According to him, the Albanian energy sector is in continuous development and requires new ideas, investments and open dialogue between all actors. /r.e/a.f/p.s./
