TIRANA, May 21 /ATA/ Albania’s electricity exports more than doubled in the first quarter of 2026, reaching 1,503 GWh compared with 732 GWh in the same period of 2025.
This increase was driven by higher domestic production, particularly from public hydropower plants. According to INSTAT data, the energy available during this period rose by 8.9%, reaching 2,470 GWh compared with 2,269 GWh in the first quarter of 2025.
Domestic net production increased by 63.2%, reaching 3,647 GWh compared with 2,234 GWh a year earlier. Public hydropower plants generated 1,667 GWh, marking a 63% rise, while private and concessionary hydropower plants contributed 1,726 GWh, an increase of 66.8%. Other producers, including alternative renewable sources, produced 254 GWh, representing a 44% rise compared with the same period in 2025.
Gross electricity imports fell sharply by 57.4%, reaching 327 GWh compared with 767 GWh in the first quarter of 2025. Meanwhile, the electricity balance was positive at 1,177 GWh, reflecting a situation in which exports exceeded imports and indicating that the country is consolidating its position as a regional energy exporter.
Grid losses increased by 8%, reaching 516 GWh; however, as a share of the energy available, they declined slightly to 20.9% compared with 21.1% a year earlier. Transmission losses rose by 31.9%, while distribution losses increased by 5.1%.
Electricity consumption by end‑users recorded a steady increase of 9.1%, reaching 1,954 GWh.
Household consumers used 1,158 GWh, representing an increase of 8.8%, while non‑household consumers consumed 796 GWh, marking a 9.5% rise compared with the first quarter of 2025.
/j.p/sm/
