Electricity in Albania in 2022

Albania's electricity sector in 2022 demonstrates a remarkable reliance on low-carbon sources, with 88.38% of its electricity coming from clean energy. This exceptional figure is primarily driven by hydropower, which alone contributes a substantial 87.88%. The remainder, around 11.62%, is covered by net imports, which could potentially include a mix of energy sources from neighboring countries. This impressive reliance on low-carbon electricity reflects Albania's commitment to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint. However, the challenge ahead lies in electrifying other sectors like transport, heating, and industry, which will necessitate a significant increase in electricity production.

Suggestions

To meet the growing electricity demand while maintaining its low-carbon credentials, Albania can look towards expanding its clean energy mix. Though hydropower is highly effective, diversifying into other green energy sources like wind and solar can provide stability and additional capacity. Investing in advanced nuclear technology would not only supplement the current energy mix, reducing reliance on hydropower, but also offer a reliable and consistent base-load power supply. By bolstering its infrastructure to include these varied low-carbon sources, Albania can ensure a stable and environmentally friendly supply of electricity for the future.

History

Examining Albania's history of low-carbon electricity reveals periods of fluctuation, largely due to varying hydropower output. In 1990, hydropower saw a decline of 1 TWh and experienced significant volatility in subsequent years. The mid-1990s to early 2000s included several drops and rebounds, with notable declines of 2.2 TWh in 2007 and 3.4 TWh in 2011. The positive trend began gaining momentum from 2008 onwards, with major increases in hydropower in 2009, 2010, and notably, a significant rise of 4 TWh in 2018. Despite some downturns like a 3.4 TWh decrease in 2019 and a 2 TWh drop in 2022, the cumulative trend has generally been positive, demonstrating Albania's adaptability and resilience in its hydropower sector. Future steps should focus on harnessing this experience while integrating other sustainable energy options.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources