On 10 March 2023, a diverse group of stakeholders from the public and private sectors, investors, project developers, and financiers involved in energy transitions came together for the “Energy Challenges towards Transition and Sustainability” conference in Tirana, Albania. The conference addressed various topics such as the ongoing energy crisis, strategies for transition, energy security, and decarbonization. A particular emphasis was given to financing investment in renewable and power sectors, examining the roles and perspectives of consulting and financial institutions. The Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Belinda Balluku, highlighted the high level of interest from foreign investors in Albania and welcomed each investment in the energy sector.

Ms. Balluku also discussed developments in the energy sector and presented the Albanian government’s response to the energy crisis. This includes the use of floating oil-fired power plants, wind farms, and solar power plants. She noted that the construction of the power transmission line between Albania and North Macedonia, supported by the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), is progressing at the same pace in both countries. Ms. Balluku also welcomed the upcoming Presidency of the Energy Community and Summit on the Berlin Process to be held in Albania in October.

The conference was jointly organized by the Foreign Investors Association of Albania, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy, the State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination (SASPAC), and representatives from various organizations, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy (DG ENER), the World Bank in Albania, USAID, Albanian and foreign industry companies Verbund Green Power Austria VOLTALIA, STATKRAFT, PPC Renewables, and Shell Companies in Albania.