Solar power eases Albania’s reliance on hydropower

Solar power now provides more than 10% of Albania’s electricity, Energy Minister Enea Karakaci said at an Energy Community meeting in Pristina.

Karakaci said high solar output this summer has allowed Albania at times to avoid using the Drin hydropower cascade, the country’s main hydropower system.

He said Albania has built 650 megawatts of solar capacity and is reviewing more solar and wind projects.

Karakaci also said the country has met EU energy rules under Chapter 15 after passing a new electricity law. He urged the EU to move faster on funding power links in the Western Balkans so the region can bring more renewable energy onto the grid.