Albania aims to turn into a regional leader in the production and export of renewable energy by 2030, through an ambitious development strategy in the energy sector, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Belinda Balluku, said on Thursday.

In a statement on social media, Balluku said that over the next four years, the country will increase its production capacities from renewable sources every year, reaching a total of 1,500 MW by 2030.

The Deputy PM emphasized that one of the main projects is the construction of the largest wind farm in Tropoja, with a capacity of 600 MW.

She noted that another important step is the gasification of the city of Korça and other investments to improve the natural gas transmission network.

To strengthen regional ties, Balluku said that investments will be made to build new interconnection links with Greece, North Macedonia, and Kosovo.

Also, Balluku continued, it is planned to start the construction of the new Albania-Italy submarine line for full integration into the European energy market.

In terms of energy security, the government has foreseen the development of energy storage projects, such as those in Koman and Fierza, as well as in the Devoll cascade.

These projects will create a strategic energy reserve, guaranteeing an uninterrupted supply even during uncertain periods for renewable sources.

Investments in recent years have made it possible to double energy capacities, from 1768 MW to 3298 MW, as well as reduce distribution losses from 50% to 17%. “In the next 4 years, we plan to reduce network losses to 12%,” said Balluku.