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Electricity in Albania in 2021

Global Ranking: #29
100.0% #3 Low-carbon electricity
358.30 watts #100 Generation / person
24.16 gCO2eq/kWh #4 Carbon Intensity

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.

Suggestions

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.

History

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.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources

For the years 1980 to 1989 the data sources are EIA and IEA (imports/exports).
For the year 1990 the data source is IEA.
For the years 1991 to 1997 the data sources are EIA and IEA (imports/exports).
For the years 1998 to 1999 the data source is IEA.
For the years 2000 to 2008 the data source is Ember.
For the years 2009 to 2010 the data source is IEA.
For the years 2011 to 2016 the data source is Ember.
For the year 2017 the data source is IEA.
For the year 2018 the data sources are IEA and IEA (imports/exports).
For the years 2019 to 2021 the data source is Ember.
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