Speaking after a regional energy ministerial held in Montenegro as part of the the Berlin Process, Karakaçi said discussions focused on progress in the energy sector and challenges tied to EU integration.

He said Albania was among the most advanced countries in the region in renewable energy, citing supportive government policies and growing private investment, particularly in solar power projects developed without state backing.

Karakaçi noted that a key issue raised by Western Balkan countries was the European Union’s carbon pricing mechanism, which is expected to impose additional costs on electricity generated from non-renewable sources.

He said the policy could work to Albania’s advantage, given its strong reliance on renewable energy, positioning the country to attract further investment in clean energy.

“The new EU policy finds Albania well prepared and in a more competitive position compared to other countries in the region,” he said.

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The Agricultural and Rural Development Agency (AZHBR) said Thursday that the scheme provides grants of up to 15 million lek per project, including support for installing solar panels.

The programme aims to expand production capacity and cut energy costs for rural enterprises, ensuring sustainable supply of up to 110% of their electricity needs.

Beneficiaries can combine the grant with a soft loan at just 2% interest and a sovereign guarantee covering 70% of collateral, enabling full project financing, according to AZHBR.

Applications remain open until September 30, 2025, as part of nine support measures designed to promote agriculture and agritourism. The initiative is intended to speed Albania’s transition to a greener, self-sustaining rural economy and make rural areas a more stable source of development and employment.

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In a press statement following the announcement by the Energy Regulatory Authority (ERE) to cut electricity tariffs for household consumers earlier today, the government head highlighted Albania’s growing use of solar energy, saying the country already generates around 10% of its electricity from solar power plants.

“Albania generates 10% of its electricity from solar power or over 300 megawatt, thanks to our policy to support energy diversification portfolio, to ensure the country’s energy independence and turn Albania into a net energy exporter within our fourth term in office,” PM Rama remarked at joint press conference with Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku.

Rama added that the government aims to take electricity generation from renewable resources to 30%.

According to him, thanks to investments in renewable sources, Albania now produces 300 megawatts of electricity, a figure far ahead of its neighbors.

Rama reaffirmed that the price reduction was not just about lowering costs but part of a broader plan to make Albania a net energy exporter by 2029. This vision, he explained, would help strengthen the country’s economy and ensure sustainable energy resources for future generations.

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