Albania launched its first tender for utility-scale onshore wind power plants today. Projects with a capacity of 10 MW to 75 MW can apply.
Several projects will be chosen, according to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Total tendered capacity equals 100 MW, and this may be increased to 150 MW in the coming months, in line with the country’s renewable energy targets.
The Albanian Ministry for Infrastructure and Energy is running the tender. EBRD has been supporting the Albanian authorities in the introduction of competitive procurement processes for renewable energy projects.
“We are delighted with the progress Albania is making on scaling up wind and solar energy through open and transparent tenders. This is another milestone for the diversification, resilience and sustainable development of the country’s energy sector,” said Matteo Colangeli, EBRD Head of Western Balkans.
Developers are invited to submit their qualification submissions by mid-June 2022. This will be followed by a request for proposals from applicants successful in the first phase. The launch of the tender process marks the start of a work-intensive phase for developers to meet the stringent technical, environmental and social requirements of the selection process. The announcement of the successful bidders is expected in the first half of 2023.
To assist bidders, a wind siting study has been prepared, including suitability criteria for the selection of sites, as well as a preliminary high-level screening of no-go areas. The Albanian Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy will organize a conference for prospective bidders later this year to provide clarification and answer questions.
The wind tender is expected to deliver highly competitively prices for clean power.
The Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) is providing funding for the technical assistance that covers the new tender as well as regulatory work in the energy sector to facilitate the introduction of auctions.
EBRD has been supporting Albania in the development of a sustainable and diversified energy sector through policy dialogue, technical assistance and investment. To date, EBRD has invested more than €1.5 billion in 112 investment projects in the country.
