Voltalia in Albania
Voltalia has started doing business in Albania in 2018 with the unsuccessful participation in the first solar tender organized by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy of the Republic of Albania (“MIE”).
Despite this result, Voltalia has demonstrate great interest in the construction of 2.5 MW FiT-solar PV projects. So far, Voltalia has built 3 of such solar plants for third parties. These 3 projects have been operating for several months now and have contribute to strengthen Voltalia image among the solar players.
In 2020 and 2021, Voltalia participated to the 2nd and 3rd tenders organized by the MIE and sponsored by EBRD to select the company that would develop, finance, construct, operate and maintain the projects: Karavasta Solar and Spitalla solar. On both occasions, Voltalia had proposed the most competitive price and was awarded the projects.
Voltalia is actively developing greenfield projects in new areas partnering with local companies and promoting the development in rural areas. Target projects are mostly solar PV and wind. But not only.
Voltalia is also working on agrisolar projects, where the food production and the power generation are combined for the upmost use of the lands. About 20% of Albania GDP relies on agriculture that employs about 60% of the population (as of 2020). Hence, agrisolar (and agrivoltaic) projects are among the most effective solution for a growing rural economy.
Renewable Energy in Albania
Albania is one of the best countries in the Western Balkans for renewable energy. With high solar radiation levels, abundant water resources, strong wind potential, and a dense interconnection network with neighboring countries, Albania plays a key role in clean energy production. Very soon, Albania could become a net exporter of renewable energy.
In 2017, to encourage energy production from various renewable sources, Albania adopted a new law promoting all forms of renewable energy. Later, in 2018, the Council of Ministers approved Decision No. 179, the “National Renewable Energy Action Plan” (NREAP) for 2018–2020.
Since then, the government has introduced several mechanisms to attract investors. These include financial support for small photovoltaic and wind farms, as well as international tenders for solar and wind energy sponsored by the EBRD.
To date, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy of the Republic of Albania (MIE) has successfully awarded two projects through such tendering processes: the Karavasta Photovoltaic Park and the Spitalla Photovoltaic Park, both won by Voltalia.
Following these solar projects, MIE, with EBRD sponsorship, has launched a tender for wind projects, which is still ongoing.
Other sponsors are also investing in renewable energy projects. Some develop solar, wind, and hydro projects for self-consumption, while others provide rooftop panel equipment and services. The sector is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years with new projects under development, enabling affordable electricity in Albania.
Spitalla Photovoltaic Park
The Spitalla Photovoltaic Park is a solar project awarded to Voltalia through an international tender organized by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy of the Republic of Albania (MIE) and financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
The location and land size, installed capacity, connection point, and the terms and conditions of the Power Purchase Agreement were defined and set by MIE.
In March 2021, Voltalia was announced as the winning bidder with a price of €29.89/MWh for 15 years.
Since then, the Project Development Agreement and the Power Purchase Agreement have been implemented. In parallel, Voltalia has initiated the ESIA process and all technical studies.
This page provides additional information on the environmental and social aspects of the project, which are essential to ensure the long-term implementation of the plant.