Albania’s Transmission System Operator (OST) has received 133 applications from developers of wind and solar power projects, totaling 10.5 GW of planned capacity. However, only three contracts have been signed. The majority of the applications are for photovoltaics, with 83 applications for 5.62 GW, while two grid connections were signed. Wind power projects have 50 applications for 4.87 GW, with one contract signed. Hydropower and thermal power plant projects have received fewer applications, with no contracts signed. The state-owned company, OST, has mentioned that some winners of the first wind power auction have obtained preliminary grid connection approvals. Several interconnection projects are underway, including the construction of two transmission lines with Montenegro and the development of the Fierza-Prizren interconnection with Kosovo. Albania has a positive export-import balance of 0.9 TWh in 2023, with a 26% increase in domestic electricity output to 8.24 TWh. The country imported 1.9 TWh, while exporting 2.8 TWh.
Source: https://balkangreenenergynews.com/solar-wind-projects-of-over-10-gw-in-albania-await-grid-access/
