Albania is looking for consultancy services for solar auction implementation

The European Bank for reconstruction and development (EBRD) and the Albanian Ministry of Energy and Industry (MEI) have launched an invitation for expressions of interest (CSU) for consultancy services for the implementation of the 50 to 100 MW solar auction in Albania. Closing date is January 31, 2018.

Selected consultants are asked to provide support in drafting the secondary legislation and regulatory framework for the competitive procurement of solar PV projects and to assist in the implementation of a competitive bidding process to procure 50 to 100 MW of solar PV capacity.

The key objectives are reviewing the existing legal and regulatory arrangements in Albania, adapting the EBRD Guidelines developed on the design and implementation of competitive processes for supporting renewable energy, developing secondary legislation and regulatory rules needed to implement recommendations, conducting an assessment of the technical options for the solar PV program and a site-level strategic environmental and social assessment, and providing implementation support to authorities for the support program.

In terms of eligibility, there are no restrictions. The invitation for expressions of interest is open to firms, or a group of firms, with previous project experience related to all project objectives, the EBRD explained.

The assignment is expected to start in second quarter of 2018, and has an estimated overall duration of two years.

Albania’s Minister of Energy and Industry, Damian Gjiknuri and EBRD Head of Albania, Matteo Colangeli signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in May last year, in the capital Tirana, with the goal to stimulate investments in solar power generation in the country.

Last year, the Albanian government adopted the Law on Promotion of the Use of Energy from Renewable Sources, introducing the auction mechanism for renewable energy projects.