Project supported by the EU, the agreement for the construction of the photovoltaic park in Belsh, Albania is signed

The Albanian government signed with EBRD the loan and grant agreement for the financing of the project for the construction of the photovoltaic park in Belsh.

This project, supported by the European Commission, foresees the establishment of a park with 50 MW of installed power, which will provide electricity for more than 16 thousand subscribers, while its annual capacities will be 79 gigawatts and will reduce CO₂ emissions by 50 thousand tons every year.

The agreement was signed in the presence of the EU ambassador in Tirana, Silvio Gonzato, by the Albanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Belinda Balluku, and by the EBRD director for Albania, Ekaterina Solovova.

Minister Balluku stated after the signing that Albania is increasing its production capacities through renewable resources, taking another step towards the goal of becoming a net exporter of electricity by 2030.

Solovova expressed that this loan and grant agreement for the production of electricity for household use is evidence of the smart policies, vision, and investment of the Albanian Government.

“The aim is for Albania to become completely independent in the energy sector. Together with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy, we have submitted such tenders, ensuring the lowest tariffs in the region for Albania, and together with these tenders, we are working on aligning Albania’s energy legal framework with the EU,” said Solovova.

The Ambassador of the European Union Delegation in Tirana, Silvio Gonzato, at the signing ceremony of the agreement for the construction of the photovoltaic park in Belsh, announced the launch of a new program for energy efficiency worth 50 million euros, funds that will be managed by the Albanian government.

“The European Union will launch a new aid program for energy efficiency, with financing of 50 million euros, a contribution that comes from the pre-accession funds of IPA. The financing agreement is expected to be signed in the coming weeks. This program will start later this year and will focus on improving energy efficiency in public buildings, water facilities, and the infrastructure of electric vehicle charging stations,” said Gonzato.

He also emphasized that the European Union has entrusted the Albanian government with the implementation of this program, describing this as another sign of trust and partnership in the context of Albania’s integration process into the EU.

 “This is an important step in preparing the administration for managing EU funds within the framework of membership. The EU remains continuously committed to supporting the energy security and sustainability of Albania, while we fight against the consequences of climate change and increase resilience to crises,” added Gonzato. (July 24)