Albania taps into river power: A global renewable leader
Albania is one of two European countries that derives all its electricity from renewable sources. According to data from the International Energy Agency, it generates 98% of its electricity from hydropower and the remaining 2% from solar panels. Worldwide, there are only seven such nations.
Albania's success in utilising renewable sources is a combination of natural conditions, primarily the abundant rivers, and the government's strategic policy. Albanians aim to obtain 54.4% of their total gross energy consumption from renewable sources by 2030. While electricity is generated entirely from renewables, it currently accounts for only 28% of the country's total energy consumption.
100% of electricity from renewables: Only seven such countries in the world
Sixty-nine countries worldwide produce more than half of their electricity from renewable sources, and only seven derive 100% of it from these sources, according to a report by RatedPower, a company focused on renewable energy technology. Apart from Albania, these countries are:
- Iceland,
- Bhutan,
- Nepal,
- Paraguay,
- Ethiopia,
- Democratic Republic of the Congo.
What did Albania do to reach this level? They began with legislative measures. Legislative changes enabled the mobilisation of funds for projects related to energy efficiency and the development of renewables by households and the private sector.
Albania seeks more energy from wind
The current renewable energy law aims to facilitate the use of renewable resources by establishing more small hydropower plants, solar thermal collectors, solar power plants, and biomass heating systems.
Albania strives to diversify its energy sources beyond hydropower. Albanians are particularly focused on incorporating wind energy into their energy mix.
The country has significant potential for solar and wind energy production, favourable geographical location, climate conditions, and high levels of solar radiation. Advocates for such diversification point out that, firstly, hydropower is highly dependent on climate variations. Secondly, developing hydropower plants in the country has sparked numerous controversies, as they do not come without environmental impact.
