In Albania, the total electricity consumption in 2021 was dominated by low-carbon sources, with the primary contributor being hydropower. The nation produced nearly 9 terawatt-hours (TWh) from low-carbon sources, from which almost all was derived from hydropower facilities. In comparison with global average electricity use of 410 watts per person, Albania is evidently of lower consumption levels. These lower levels of electricity generation could affect industrial processes and overall economic productivity. Additionally, lower levels of per capita electrical use could indicate that citizens' access to energy-intensive life-improving technologies such as air conditioning, electric cooking, and modern healthcare may be restricted.
Albania could benefit from exploring a more diversified approach to low-carbon electricity generation. There are several examples of countries effectively employing various low-carbon energy sources from which Albania could learn. For instance, Brazil, a country with a mixed topography like Albania, successfully utilizes wind energy, generating around 94 TWh from it. Albania could likewise harness more wind power, given its coastal and mountainous regions. Moreover, countries such as Spain and Italy demonstrate that solar power could be an advantageous avenue for Albania to explore, with these countries generating 40 TWh and 24 TWh, respectively.
The history of low-carbon electricity in Albania portrays a consistent reliance on hydropower. In the 1990s, adjustments in hydropower generation were somewhat unstable, with significant ups and downs. Notably, production dipped in 1990, remained pretty consistent through 1991, and saw an increase in 1996. The early 2000s saw another period of decline, with a reduction in output until 2003 where a small upturn was experienced. However, hydropower peaked in 2010 with a gain of 2.4 TWh. Overall, this historical approach suggests that hydropower has remained a prominent mode of electricity generation in Albania. However, consistent fluctuations imply that diversifying into other low-carbon methods could be beneficial for increased stability in electricity production.