Albania’s long pursuit of gas
Gas is unlikely to assume a major role in Albania’s energy mix for years to come, but two priority projects are making headway and helping to establish the sector
Albania is continuing efforts to fulfil its long-standing ambition of integrating gas into its energy mix, with two priority projects—a city gasification scheme and a gas-fired power plant—progressing steadily. Tirana’s push for gas is primarily aimed at improving energy security. The country depends on around 2,500MW of hydroelectric capacity to meet nearly all its electricity needs, with the remainder—only just over 3% in 2023—coming from small-scale solar plants. While this gives Albania a very clean energy mix, it also exposes the country to the risk of shortages. In years of drought, Albania has had to import electricity, sometimes at high cost, especially as its Balkan neighbours, also
Also in this section
23 January 2026
A strategic pivot away from Russian crude in recent weeks tees up the possibility of improved US-India trade relations
23 January 2026
The signing of a deal with a TotalEnergies-led consortium to explore for gas in a block adjoining Israel’s maritime area may breathe new life into the country’s gas ambitions
22 January 2026
As Saudi Arabia pushes mining as a new pillar of its economy, Saudi Aramco is positioning itself at the intersection of hydrocarbons, minerals and industrial policy
22 January 2026
New long-term deal is latest addition to country’s rapidly evolving supply portfolio as it eyes role as regional gas hub
