Albania has reached a remarkable milestone by generating 100% of its electricity from low-carbon sources, establishing itself as a leader in clean energy production. Among the energy mix, hydropower plays a dominant role, contributing to more than 95% of the electricity generation, while solar energy accounts for a modest yet important share of roughly 3%. Impressively, Albania doesn't just meet its domestic electricity demand with green energy; it also exports significant amounts of this clean electricity to neighboring regions, aiding in their efforts to reduce carbon emissions. As Albania looks ahead, the key challenge will be the electrification of other sectors like transport, heating, and industry, which necessitates a rise in electricity generation to accommodate new demands.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources โ
Is Electricity Growing in Albania?
Electricity consumption in Albania shows a promising upward trend, with the latest figures for 2023 indicating a per capita consumption rate of about 3205 kWh. This narrowly surpasses the previous record set in 2013, showcasing a positive yet modest growth in overall electricity consumption. Furthermore, significant strides have been made in low-carbon electricity generation, which now stands at 3205 kWh per person, marking an increase of 67 kWh compared to the record set in 2021. This progress highlights Albania's continued commitment to clean energy and the country's potential to support greater electrification through sustainable means.
Suggestions
To further increase its low-carbon electricity generation capacity, Albania could focus on expanding its solar energy sector, given the country's ample sunlight. Additionally, exploring the potential of nuclear energy would be a strategic move to ensure consistent and large-scale clean energy production. Both solar and nuclear energy hold immense potential for substantial and stable electricity supply while minimizing environmental impact. By investing in these sectors, Albania can ensure a steady growth in electricity generation to power areas like transport and industry sustainably as these areas transition away from fossil fuels.
History
Throughout its history, Albania has experienced various fluctuations in hydropower generation, with notable patterns emerging over the decades. For instance, from the late 1990s to the early 2000s, hydropower generation saw ups and downs with significant decreases in 1997 and 2001, countered by recoveries in 1996 and 2003. The years leading to 2010 witnessed consistent increases, culminating in a substantial surge in that year. However, significant declines followed in 2011 and 2014. Recent years display a more stable pattern, with increases in both 2016 and 2018, although 2019 still saw a downturn. In 2021, there was a considerable jump, demonstrating the potential for growth. Despite occasional setbacks, the general trend in hydropower has been of recovery and growth, setting a strong foundation for Albania to build upon as it seeks to further its clean energy generation.
