Solar power developers launch projects in Albania for 235 MW

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy of Albania received four applications for solar power projects with a combined capacity of 235 MW. A proposed unit in Fier, the country’s photovoltaics hub, would be the second-biggest in the country.

Solar power accounts for 6% of electricity production in Albania. More than half of the photovoltaic output is from the Karavasta facility, the biggest of its kind in the Western Balkans. It has 140 MW in peak capacity.

France-based Voltalia won a long-term power purchase agreement for the project by winning a state-sponsored auction in 2020. At the following auction, it got the concession for the Spitalla solar park. The company laid the cornerstone late last year for the 100 MW solar power system in the west of Albania. The site is near the port city of Durrës. One other PV plant is planned for expansion to 100 MW.

Now another project of the same size is racing for the position of the country’s second-largest photovoltaic facility. However, it is only in its initial phase. Namely, a firm called Euron Solar-PV expressed interest in the construction and operation of a 100 MW solar power plant in an application submitted to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy.

The location is near the villages of Fushë and Povelçë in the municipality and district of Fier. It is the area with projects for the biggest solar power capacity in Albania.

Public debate before applications are processed

Euron Solar-PV is one of four proposals for photovoltaics that the ministry received for consideration. The combined peak capacity is 235 MW, it said.

They are not subject to concessions and don’t benefit from any support measures, it added in the announcement. Before processing, the public has two weeks to send comments and objections.

Agricultural producer planning solar power facility near Karavasta

Rozafa applied for a 40 MW photovoltaic facility. The location is near the village of Shmil in the municipality and district of Elbasan in the central part of the country.  The company is active in the fishing sector, according to domestic media.

The third proposal was received from Greensol. The firm intends to install a 50 MW solar power plant in Bistrica in the municipality of Finiq. The area is in Vlora county in southern Albania.

Agro Iliria Group is working on a 45 MW project. The location is in Remas in the municipality of Divjaka in Fier district, near Karavasta. The company produces pomegranates, goji berries and other crops.