Albania's renewable revolution: Leading Europe in green energy
Albania is one of two European countries that derive all their electricity from renewable sources. According to data from the International Energy Agency, it generates 98% of its electricity from water resources and the remaining 2% from photovoltaic installations. There are only seven such nations worldwide.
Albania's success in utilizing renewable sources is a result of its natural conditions, primarily the numerous rivers, and the government’s conscious policy. Albanians aim to have 54.4% of their total gross energy consumption from renewable sources by 2030. Electricity is generated 100% from renewables, but it currently accounts for only 28% of the country's energy mix.
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 energy 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 started with legislation. Legislative changes allowed for the mobilization of funds for projects related to energy efficiency and the development of renewables by households and the private sector.
Albania wants more energy from wind
The current renewable energy law aims to facilitate the use of renewable energy resources by establishing more small hydropower plants, solar collectors for hot water, photovoltaic 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 due to its favourable geographical location, climatic conditions, and high solar radiation levels. Advocates of such diversification point out that, firstly, hydropower is highly dependent on climatic changes. Secondly, the development of hydropower plants in the country has sparked numerous controversies, as they obviously impact the natural environment.
