Albania's recent 300 MW solar tender, which was launched by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy, received a lowest bid of €0.0397/kWh. Fourteen developers submitted proposals totaling 355.93 MW, with nine shortlisted bidders offering 283.93 MW at an average price of €0.0513/kWh.
Solar Park Gjorica, Others Lead Stand Out
In a significant move towards expanding its renewable energy portfolio, Albania has achieved a milestone with its recent 300 MW solar tender; which attracted a lowest bid of €0.0397/kWh. The tender, launched in January by the Albanian Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy, saw robust participation from 14 developers who collectively submitted proposals for 355.93 MW of capacity. The government has shortlisted nine bidders, who offered a combined capacity of 283.93 MW at an average price of €0.0513/kWh.
Albania's 300 MW Solar Tender Achieves Record-Low Bid of €0.0397/kWh, Marking a Milestone in Renewable Energy Expansion.
The competitive tender process underscores Albania’s commitment to bolstering its solar energy capacity, aligning with its broader renewable energy targets. A standout bid emerged from a consortium comprising Solar Park Gjorica, Infotelecom, and Adam Global Energy, proposing a 35.6 MW project at the record-low price of €0.0397/kWh.
Despite the government setting a ceiling price of €0.05997/kWh for the auction, the lowest bid significantly undercut this. This demonstrates the increasing efficiency and cost-effectiveness of solar technology. The selected developer will be awarded a 15-year contract for difference (CfD), ensuring price stability and incentivising investment in the sector.
The government excluded a 72 MW solar project developed by the French renewable energy company, Voltalia, in Karavasta, which had submitted an offer of €0.05994/kWh. This excluded capacity will be set aside as a “reserve,” according to the government’s announcement.
Other Selected Bidders
The other preselected bidders include Blessed and Matrix Construction with a 36 MW project at €0.051/kWh; Seman SunPower shpk, General Electric, and Agna sha with a 10 MW project at €0.051/kWh; and Aga Solar and Notus Energy with a 55.7 MW project at €0.0499/kWh.
Additionally, Solar PV, Gr ALBANIA, Enterprise Albania, and RAB proposed a 29.13 MW project at €0.0548/kWh; while JGA Consulting, Swiss Approval Albania, Eterna, and Gr Albania bid for a 15.2 MW project at €0.0547/kWh. Smart Gynesh Energy Technology, Smart Energy Group, and Erseka Solar also offered a 40.3 MW project at €0.05353/kWh and another 20.2 MW project at €0.05628/kWh. Finally, Eco Park Group, Birra Peja, Vlorem Energy shpk, Future Energy Trading, and Exchange Dynamic proposed a 41.8 MW project at €0.05611/kWh.
This tender follows Albania’s previous efforts to boost its solar capacity through competitive procurement. In 2021, Voltalia was awarded a 100 MW solar project with the lowest bid of €0.02989/kWh. Additionally, Voltalia secured a 140 MW PV project in Karavasta in 2020 with an even lower bid of €0.02489/kWh.
140 MW Karavasta Solar Plant
In a related development, the 140 MW Karavasta solar plant (Albania's largest photovoltaic project) has successfully commenced operations. Located in the Fier region, this plant is now connected to the grid, marking a significant milestone in Albania's renewable energy journey.
Albania’s Largest Solar Plant, Karavasta, Goes Live: 140 MW of Renewable Energy and 240,000 Bifacial Panels.
The Karavasta plant which was awarded through a previous competitive tender features 240,000 bifacial panels and 18 units of Sineng’s EP-6250-HC-UD/30 MV turnkey stations. The project is expected to generate 265 GWh annually and offset over 29,165 tonnes of CO2 per year. This aligns with Albania’s strategic objectives to diversify its energy mix and reduce reliance on hydropower, which is susceptible to fluctuations due to droughts.
The successful tender and the operational launch of the Karavasta plant reflect Albania’s ongoing efforts to enhance its energy resilience and sustainability. As the country continues to attract competitive bids for solar projects, it is well-positioned to achieve its renewable energy targets and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.