After the signing of the financing agreement between the Albanian government and the French Development Agency on support for energy sector, Ahmetaj highlighted the intensive cooperation with the French Development Agency, which was framed with the signing of intergovernmental agreement on the margins of the Donors’ Conference on February 17, 2020.

“Since June 2020, when FDA formalized its activity in Albania, we have jointly moved ahead with 3 important projects, 2 of which are direct budget allocations in the amount of EUR 100 million, or EUR 50 million each, on top of EUR 3 million technical assistance for the reform in the energy sector that was signed today, ” said Ahmetaj.

Meanwhile, he stressed that “the third project with which we are more familiar is implemented in the framework of reconstruction.”

“It is a project that mobilises EUR 60 million for the reconstruction of water supply system of Durres, which is in the final stage of negotiations and will be signed soon to pave the way for the implementation project,” said Ahmetaj.

Deputy Prime Minister informed that “the agreement on support for energy sector comes at an important moment for the sector, given the global crisis that has affected all countries.”

“The intent of all countries and governments, but also citizens around the world today is to tackle the great challenge in the energy sector, to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources and transition towards renewable sources. Albania has a high capacity of renewable hydro, solar and wind resources. Today we produce 100% renewable energy due to water reserves, but it is not enough. “Reliance on climate conditions, prolonged droughts like this year’s and then the impact that come with torrential rains are always present in Albania,” he added.

Also, Ahmetaj pointed out that Albania has made a success of the groundbreaking reform in the energy sector, which is ongoing.

“The results of this reform are undoubtedly tangible and are helping us address the current energy crisis. We have saved 600 million euros in the last 8 years alone after reduction of losses that were 45%, or 1.1 billion. We found a budget hole of EUR 1.1 billion, while today thanks to the billing level entire energy sector is on a secure footing,” he said.

Also, Ahmetaj added that “about 450 million euros have been invested in the grid thanks to good management, improving not only the power supply, but also reducing the connection and breakdown repair time.”
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