Albania is advancing its renewable energy ambitions with a planned 50 MWp ground-mounted solar power plant in Belshi, central Albania. While initially slated for 2025, procurement activities for the KESH Belshi Solar PV Project are now expected to commence in the first quarter of 2026. This landmark initiative, with an estimated total value of โฌ41.67 million, will be the first solar plant operated by the state-owned power company, KESH, marking a significant step in the nation’s energy transition. You can explore a broader overview of the country’s solar landscape in the Albania Solar Panel Manufacturing | Market Insights Report.
Government Support and Strategic Goals for the Albania solar plant
This strategic project is backed by strong international partnerships. The Swiss government provided crucial financial support for the feasibility study, tender preparation, and contract management. The bulk of the financing comes from a โฌ30 million loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and a โฌ9.25 million grant from the World Bank Investment Framework (WBIF). A detailed plant cost breakdown reveals the significant investment required for such utility-scale projects.
The Belshi solar plant is a cornerstone of Albania’s strategy to diversify its energy sources. Currently, the country relies entirely on hydropower for its electricity, making its energy supply vulnerable to fluctuations from droughts and the broader impacts of climate change. This project directly supports Albania’s objective to generate 30% of its electricity from non-hydropower renewable sources by 2030, a goal bolstered by numerous Albania solar projects.
Renewable Energy Tender and Market Developments for the Albania solar plant
The momentum for renewables in Albania is growing rapidly. The nation recently launched its seventh renewable energy tender, seeking to secure 100 MW of wind, solar, or hydropower capacity through a 15-year power purchase agreement. With a ceiling price of โฌ64.24/MWh, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy is set to announce the successful bidder in December 2024.
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This tender is part of a wider push that includes several key developments. Alongside the Belshi project, KESH is also constructing a 12.9 MW solar power plant in Spitalla and exploring innovative solutions like the 2 MW Project Marks Incredible Milestone in floating solar technology. These initiatives, combined with another 148.5 MW of Stunning Renewable Energy ventures nearing approval, highlight the country’s commitment.
To further stabilize its grid, Albania has also greenlit a 240 MW/480 MWh battery storage project. Funded by the European Union and implemented by the EBRD, this facility will reduce reliance on energy imports during hydropower shortages and is expected to be operational by 2027.
Solar Power Plant to Boost Energy Security in Albania
The Belshi solar power plant will significantly enhance Albaniaโs energy security by providing a stable and reliable electricity supply independent of rainfall patterns. By diversifying its energy mix with projects like this and another Stunning 15 MW Project Planned, Albania reduces its vulnerability to climate change. The complex undertaking of constructing such a plant involves a sophisticated manufacturing process that relies on sourcing specific raw materials and understanding the basics of manufacturing.
This move towards energy independence in the Balkans also has wider implications. For homeowners and tenants in Germany, a more stable and interconnected European energy grid, bolstered by projects like Albania’s, can contribute to greater price stability and a more secure energy supply across the continent. The international investment from the Swiss government and EBRD not only supports Albania’s green transition but also strengthens the collective energy resilience of Europe.
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