Investor conference for first wind power auction in Albania

Prospective bidders at Albania’s first wind power auction and other interested parties can get detailed information about the procedure and requirements at an online conference scheduled for November 24.

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy of Albania is running a two-stage tender for the selection of several onshore wind power projects with a capacity between 10 MW and 75 MW each. It called on investors and other interested parties to take part in an online conference on November 24 to learn about the bidding procedure and the selection requirements.

Bidders can apply for qualification by June 13 and the deadline for proposals will be in February 2023. The ministry said it would select projects totaling 100 MW for contracts for difference (CfDs) for power purchases over 15 years, but that it may decide at a later stage to
increase the total tendered capacity to 150 MW.

Investors must have experience, pick available sites from map

Developers have the task to identify sites for their projects. They qualify for participation if they developed at least one onshore wind power plant of 20 MW or more and commissioned it in the last five years. In cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the government has published a siting study.

Suitable land is at more than 150 meters above sea level and has a minimum size of one hectare. It must be away from protected areas and critical habitats, water surfaces, historic sites and green urban areas.

Fully commercial projects springing up

Albania doesn’t have a single wind power plant yet, but there is vast potential.

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy earlier received applications for five wind power plants of 10 MW each, to be built in the Karaburun Peninsula in the southwest, near Vlora, also known as Valona. According to the announcement, the projects won’t benefit from any government support measures.

Albania has a scheme for power purchases from wind power plants with up to 3 MW in capacity at EUR 75.64 per MWh. Such projects are not subject to concession.