Albania Plans to Include Battery Storage in Next Solar Auction

TIRANA, Albania, October 2026 — Albania plans to incorporate battery energy storage into its next solar power auction, marking a further step toward integrating renewable energy generation with storage infrastructure.

The auction is expected to take place in late 2026 or early 2027, with support from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The initiative aims to improve the integration of solar power and strengthen the flexibility of Albania’s electricity system.

Storage to Support Solar Deployment

Adding battery energy storage systems (BESS) to solar procurement could help address the variability of renewable generation by storing electricity when solar output is high and releasing it when demand increases or generation declines.

For project developers, the inclusion of storage in future auction frameworks could also create new opportunities to develop integrated solar-plus-storage projects, depending on the final tender requirements and commercial arrangements.

Albania has been working to strengthen its legal and regulatory framework for renewable energy and storage. Recent changes to its electricity legislation are expected to provide a clearer basis for incorporating storage into renewable energy projects.

Implications for Albania’s Renewable Energy Market

As Albania expands its renewable energy capacity, energy storage could play a growing role in improving grid flexibility and making better use of variable renewable generation.

The planned auction could offer opportunities for solar developers, battery manufacturers, system integrators and investors seeking to enter or expand their presence in Southeast Europe.

However, the final impact will depend on the auction’s detailed requirements, including storage capacity, project eligibility, procurement terms and revenue arrangements.

Outlook

Albania’s planned solar auction reflects a broader European trend toward combining renewable energy generation with storage to support more flexible electricity systems.

If implemented as planned, the initiative could help advance Albania’s solar-plus-storage market and provide a useful reference for other emerging renewable energy markets in the region.