Solar photovoltaic panels in solar farm used to produce mill in a flour mill in Tirana, Albania. Sustainable energy, electric power generation, decarbonization, renewable green energy

Utility-Scale Solar PV Farms

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Utility-Scale Solar PV Farms

Country
Sector
Most major industry classification systems use sources of revenue as their basis for classifying companies into specific sectors, subsectors and industries. In order to group like companies based on their sustainability-related risks and opportunities, SASB created the Sustainable Industry Classification System® (SICS®) and the classification of sectors, subsectors and industries in the SDG Investor Platform is based on SICS.
Renewable Resources and Alternative Energy
Sub Sector
Most major industry classification systems use sources of revenue as their basis for classifying companies into specific sectors, subsectors and industries. In order to group like companies based on their sustainability-related risks and opportunities, SASB created the Sustainable Industry Classification System® (SICS®) and the classification of sectors, subsectors and industries in the SDG Investor Platform is based on SICS.
Alternative Energy
Indicative Return
Describes the rate of growth an investment is expected to generate within the IOA. The indicative return is identified for the IOA by establishing its Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Return of Investment (ROI) or Gross Profit Margin (GPM).
15% - 20% (in IRR)
Investment Timeframe
Describes the time period in which the IOA will pay-back the invested resources. The estimate is based on asset expected lifetime as the IOA will start generating accumulated positive cash-flows.
Medium Term (5–10 years)
Market Size
Describes the value of potential addressable market of the IOA. The market size is identified for the IOA by establishing the value in USD, identifying the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) or providing a numeric unit critical to the IOA.
Solar insolation levels average over 1,500 kWh/m2, technical potential at 2,378 MW and production of 3,706 GWh annually; 22 MW of solar PV installed as of 2021.
Average Ticket Size (USD)
Describes the USD amount for a typical investment required in the IOA.
> USD 10 million
Direct Impact
Describes the primary SDG(s) the IOA addresses.
Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7) Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) Climate Action (SDG 13)
Indirect Impact
Describes the secondary SDG(s) the IOA addresses.
Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10) Life on Land (SDG 15)

Business Model Description

Construct and operate utility-scale solar power plants in regions with high solar radiation, through collaboration with the government in Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and selling the generated energy through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) agreed during the tendering phase and the Albanian Power Exchange (ALPEX) , with additional revenue generated from providing comprehensive maintenance services for the solar plants, ensuring their optimal performance and longevity​.

Expected Impact

Enhance the proportion of renewable energy sources in the domestic energy mix, concurrently lowering CO2 emissions stemming from energy production while promoting energy security and lowering utility prices.

How is this information gathered?

Investment opportunities with potential to contribute to sustainable development are based on country-level SDG Investor Maps.

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Country & Regions

Explore the country and target locations of the investment opportunity.
Country
Region
  • Albania: Fier
  • Albania: Durrës
  • Albania: Vlorë
Learn more

Sector Classification

Situate the investment opportunity within sustainability focused sector, subsector and industry classifications.
Sector

Renewable Resources and Alternative Energy

Development need
Albania is a net importer of energy, with an energy dependency rate of 28% in 2021. Merely 37% of domestic production was through renewables including hydro-generation, which accounted for 95% of domestic generating capacity, crude oil stood at 4%, and solar energy trailed behind at 1%. The over-reliance on hydropower renders energy security susceptible to climate change causing diminishing rainfall and increased water stress to take hold by 2040 (1, 2, 3, 50).

Policy priority
Albania's National Strategy for Development and European Integration (NSDEI) 2022-2030 aims to boost renewables to 54.4% of energy by 2030, transitioning the country to a net exporter of energy. Nationally Determined Contributions commits to an 11.5% reduction in CO2 emissions, equivalent to 708 Gg, by 2030 (6, 10).

Gender inequalities and marginalization issues
Energy policies within households have a gendered impact, leading to limited economic opportunities, underrepresentation in decision-making, and low political participation for women. Men dominate the energy and energy-related sectors, making up nearly 85% of the workforce, while women only represent around 16% (1, 11).

Investment opportunities introduction
Albania's 2030 plan emphasizes renewable energy as crucial for a sustainable, green economy, aiming for a 42% renewable energy share. The country's abundant solar potential, exceeding 1,500 kWh/m2 annually and peaking at 1,753 kWh/m2, is particularly appealing to commercial entities amid escalating electricity prices (8, 16, 27).

Key bottlenecks introduction
The renewable energy sector is primarily hindered by spatial localisation and land acquisition challenges due to the complexities of property rights, sub-hourly, daily and seasonal variations of the resources particularly solar, as well as the availability of a skilled workforce familiar with the technologies associated with renewable developments (8).

Sub Sector

Alternative Energy

Development need
In 2020, the cumulative gas emissions of Albania reached 8,304 kilotons of CO2 equivalent. Despite concerted efforts for mitigation, emissions in the sector are projected to increase by 40.3% from 2016 to 2030. Yet the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) plan manages to achieve a 23.9% curtailing of emissions through proposed mitigation measures compared to the business-as-usual scenario (18, 19).

Policy priority
Albanian National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) echoes the target of achieving 54.4% renewable energy in gross final energy consumption by 2030. The Voluntary National Review (VNR) reveals that 83% of the SDGs are linked to National Strategy for Development and Integration pillars while the Energy Strategy highlights challenges in managing rising energy demand and aligning policies with EU directives (5, 10, 17).

Gender inequalities and marginalization issues
Albania provides access to energy for its entire population but faces challenges with frequent power interruptions and high electricity prices particularly impacting rural households and low-income populations despite the implementation of financial mechanisms to support vulnerable households in managing their energy costs (12).

Investment opportunities introduction
Albania's solar energy capacity within the Total Primary Energy Supply (TPES) is expected to grow steadily, increasing from 16.5 ktoe in 2020 to 65.0 ktoe by 2040. The country facilitates investment in renewable energy through feed-in-tariffs, CfD schemes, net-metering, and customs duty exemptions for power plant construction (2, 10).

Key bottlenecks introduction
The Albanian distribution grid, especially in Tirana, struggles with variable electricity and lacks capacity. Renewable energy investments are capital-intensive and rely on energy prices for returns. Heavy dependence on international suppliers, including Europe, is a supply-chain bottleneck impacting adaptability to changing energy patterns (2, 27).

Industry

Solar Technology and Project Developers

Pipeline Opportunity

Discover the investment opportunity and its corresponding business model.
Investment Opportunity Area

Utility-Scale Solar PV Farms

Business Model

Construct and operate utility-scale solar power plants in regions with high solar radiation, through collaboration with the government in Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and selling the generated energy through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) agreed during the tendering phase and the Albanian Power Exchange (ALPEX) , with additional revenue generated from providing comprehensive maintenance services for the solar plants, ensuring their optimal performance and longevity​.

Business Case

Learn about the investment opportunity’s business metrics and market risks.

Market Size and Environment

Critical IOA Unit
Describes a complementary market sizing measure exemplifying the opportunities with the IOA.

Solar insolation levels average over 1,500 kWh/m2, technical potential at 2,378 MW and production of 3,706 GWh annually; 22 MW of solar PV installed as of 2021.

Albania's solar PV market has grown significantly with diverse support schemes, including FiT, CfD, and PPAs. A total authorized capacity of 24 MW under FiT (feed in tariff), an extra 50 MW through CfD (contract for difference), and 140 MW near Fier commissioned to Voltalia under the Karavasta Plant, with 70 MW under a PPA and the rest at market price from a January 2020 auction, demonstrate substantial expansion. The launch of a new auction for a 100 MW solar PV plant in Durrës at the end of 2020, commissioned to Voltalia under the Spitalla plant underscores Albania's commitment to solar energy growth, establishing it as a critical IOA unit for solar PV investments (8, 21).

By the end of 2021, Albania had approximately 22 MW of solar photovoltaic capacity installed. Albania's geographic location offers substantial solar energy potential, with regions receiving annual solar radiation ranging from 1185 kWh/m2 to 1700 kWh/m2. On sunny days, each square meter of horizontal surface in these regions can capture around 2200 kWh per year (16, 32).

Albania’s technical potential for the deployment of solar PV is estimated at 2 378 MW, with production of 3 706 GWh annually (8).

Indicative Return

IRR
Describes an expected annual rate of growth of the IOA investment.

15% - 20%

For a 2 MW project with a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) at EUR 100 (USD 107.76) per megawatt hour in 2019, the internal rate hovers around 15% to 17% (27).

Investment Timeframe

Timeframe
Describes the time period in which the IOA will pay-back the invested resources. The estimate is based on asset expected lifetime as the IOA will start generating accumulated positive cash-flows.

Medium Term (5–10 years)

As measured for a 217.28 kW PV plant, payback period for investments in utility scale solar plant projects can vary from 4.5 to 7.6 years depending on different scenarios (30).

Ticket Size

Average Ticket Size (USD)
Describes the USD amount for a typical investment required in the IOA.

> USD 10 million

Market Risks & Scale Obstacles

Capital - Limited Investor Interest

The private sector's lack of available skilled workforce is a significant obstacle to business operations and investment attraction (8).

Capital - CapEx Intensive

Investing in renewable energy involves substantial capital requirements and extended payback periods primarily influenced by energy prices, leading to significant investment risks arising from market uncertainties (2).

Business - Supply Chain Constraints

Heavy reliance on international suppliers poses a supply-chain bottleneck, potentially affecting the renewable operators' service delivery. This challenge is exacerbated by the inadequate capacity of the grid infrastructure to distribute the generate electricity (2, 27).

Impact Case

Read about impact metrics and social and environmental risks of the investment opportunity.

Sustainable Development Need

Albania's over-reliance on hydropower creates vulnerability to water scarcity risks. Moreover, hydropower can produce negative environmental externalities including degradation of water quality, increased risk of floods and disruption of natural ecosystems (1).

Despite Albania's high renewable energy potential, progress has been slow due to the lack of available funding and the presence of price caps on the energy market. Even though 100% of the population has access to electricity, energy use remains inefficient with high distribution losses and energy intensity, exceeding the EU average (3, 4, 5).

Albania's commits to decreasing greenhouse gas emissions by 20.9% from 2016 to 2030 based on its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). However many challenges remain including heavy reliance on forest-based emissions, limited renewable resource developments, and administrative constraints (3, 26).

Gender & Marginalisation

The lack of gender consideration in Albania's energy programs and policies, as highlighted by the European Commission's report, poses a significant challenge in addressing gender-specific issues within the energy sector (22).

Elderly individuals in Albania, where 318,000 people are over 65 years old, are particularly vulnerable to energy poverty, as heating costs can consume 13-29% of their pension income (22).

Expected Development Outcome

Investments in utility scale solar PV farms will enhance energy security and reduce emissions. Frequent power interruptions and high electricity prices, particularly in rural areas, will be mitigated, promoting responsible consumption and production.

Overcoming the challenges of limited funding availability through increased investments in solar PV farms will unlock Albania's considerable renewable energy potential, enhance energy efficiency, reduce distribution losses, and bring energy intensity levels closer to EU standards.

Transition to solar PV generation through utility-scale investments will contribute to climate action by curbing emissions and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, fostering regional cooperation, and aligning with SDG and NDC targets related to energy and water preservation.

Gender & Marginalisation

Promoting gender diversity in Albania's energy sector through enhanced utility-scale investments in solar energy will reduce the current 85% male and 16% female gender imbalance in employment, fostering a more inclusive workforce and broader skills pool (1).

Investments in utility-scale solar power generation that incorporate gender-inclusive energy policies will address disparities, combat energy poverty, and improve living conditions for the elderly and rural populations by reducing the high costs of heating and enhancing financial well-being.

Primary SDGs addressed

Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7)
7 - Affordable and Clean Energy

7.2.1 Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption

7.1.2 Proportion of population with primary reliance on clean fuels and technology

Current Value

Share of renewable energy in gross final energy consumption in Albania was 41.3% in 2021 (13).

Percentage of population with primary reliance on clean fuels and technology recorded as 37.55% in 2020 (41).

Target Value

The target for the renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption in Albania is 54.4% by 2030, as outlined in the National Strategy for Development and European Integration 2022-2030 (6).

The long-term objective for this indicator is a value of 100 at a global scale (42).

Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12)
12 - Responsible Consumption and Production

12.a.1 Installed renewable energy-generating capacity in developing countries (in watts per capita)

Current Value

The capacity of renewable energy generating power plants in Albania, including hydropower, was recorded at 2109 MW in 2019, which is approximately 0.758 watts per capita (population of Albania is 2,775,634 in 2022/ watts per capita = 2109 MW / 2,775,634 ≈ 0.000759 MW ) (2, 14).

Target Value

A total of 16.506 MW of renewable energy capacity is targeted for installation in Albania by 2030, and the population is projected to be 2,933,530 in 2030 (2, 24).

Climate Action (SDG 13)
13 - Climate Action

13.2.2 Total greenhouse gas emissions per year

Current Value

Albania's total greenhouse gas emissions in 8,304 kilotons of CO2 equivalent in 2020 (15).

Target Value

Albania's Nationally Determined Contributions commits to an 11.5% reduction in CO2 emissions, equivalent to 708 Gg, by 2030 (19).

Secondary SDGs addressed

11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities
10 - Reduced Inequalities
15 - Life on Land

Directly impacted stakeholders

People

Energy consumers, local communities near renewable energy installations, and individuals will enjoy cleaner and more accessible energy sources, while workers in the renewable energy industry benefit from increased employment opportunities.

Gender inequality and/or marginalization

Rural communities and women will experience reduced gender inequalities and marginalization as enhanced access to clean energy through renewables contributes to economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Planet

The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and the transition to cleaner energy sources benefit the environment by mitigating climate change and reducing air pollution, thus contributing to a healthier planet.

Corporates

Companies engaged in renewable energy production, distribution, and the manufacturing of components such as solar panels, as well as businesses with high energy consumption that could be affected by fluctuations in energy availability and rising electricity prices will benefit from enhanced profits.

Public sector

Government will advance its target to achieve 42% renewable energy share by 2030, defined by the 2018-2030 Energy Strategy, and 11.5% carbon reduction as per its NDC commitment (6, 10).

Indirectly impacted stakeholders

People

Individuals not directly employed in the renewable energy sector but who may benefit from reduced energy costs, cleaner air and improved economic opportunities.

Planet

The global environment benefits from Albania's reduced greenhouse gas emissions and reduced reliance on hydropower, contributing to international climate change mitigation and water management efforts.

Corporates

Businesses across various industries may be indirectly affected through changes in energy prices, market competitiveness, and the overall economic development driven by the renewable energy sector.

Outcome Risks

Utility-scale solar PV farms require significant land and may compete with other land uses, such as agriculture, grazing, or conservation, potentially leading to resource scarcity (28).

Utility-scale solar energy developments, due to their large land requirements, often result in habitat loss and fragmentation (28).

PV cells contain various toxic materials which can pose environmental and public health threats if not handled and disposed of properly at the end of their life cycle (29).

Gender inequality and/or marginalization risk: Gender integration efforts may fail to reduce gender inequalities in energy access, perpetuating existing disparities in access to clean energy (22).

Impact Risks

Distribution network challenges, limited grid capacity, and planning can negatively impact the delivery of impact associated with clean energy generation from solar PV farms, particularly affecting energy consumers and local communities (8).

Endurance risks may emerge if long-term commitment to grid improvements is lacking, emphasizing the importance of proactive risk management in solar power development (8).

Insufficient local workforce training and limited stakeholder communication pose risks, potentially hindering their successful integration within the renewable energy landscape (8).

The lack of adequate access and knowledge on operation and maintenance of renewable energy may result in choosing inefficient technologies and energy systems, limiting depth and duration of impact.

Gender inequality and/or marginalization risk: Limited gender-disaggregated data hinders informed impact assessment and decision-making in the energy sector (25).

Impact Classification

C—Contribute to Solutions

What

Promoting utility-scale solar PV farms seeks to bolster security, diminish emissions, tackle power-related challenges and soaring prices, align with NDC targets, and champion climate action.

Risk

Economic data limitations, insufficient workforce training, limited grid capacity, and changes in government policies and regulations can limit expected impact.

Contribution

Alongside Albania's renewable strategy, utility-scale solar farms boost energy self-sufficiency, stabilize the grid and reduce reliance on non-renewable sources.

Impact Thesis

Enhance the proportion of renewable energy sources in the domestic energy mix, concurrently lowering CO2 emissions stemming from energy production while promoting energy security and lowering utility prices.

Enabling Environment

Explore policy, regulatory and financial factors relevant for the investment opportunity.

Policy Environment

National Strategy for Development and European Integration 2022-2030: aims to significantly increase the share of renewable sources in final energy consumption, aiming to achieve a share of 54.4% by 2030 through additional measures including boosting electricity generation capacity from solar, supporting private investments in the sector, strengthening energy transmission infrastructure, promoting energy efficiency, transitioning the country in to a net energy exporter (6).

National Energy and Climate Plan of the Republic of Albania, 2021: promotes a continuous expansion of its solar energy capacity as part of the Total Primary Energy Supply (TPES), with an anticipated rise from 16.5 ktoe in 2020 to 65.0 ktoe by the year 2040 (10).

Albania National Energy Strategy 2018-2030: aligns with national and European Green Deal goals, emphasizing clean energy, sustainable construction, mobility, and pollution reduction, targeting a 42% renewable energy share and a 15% reduction in energy consumption by 2030 (23).

The Voluntary National Review (VNR), 2018: highlights a robust 83% linkage between SDGs and NSDI II pillars. SDG 7, emphasizing affordable and sustainable energy, while highlighting challenges involving managing escalating energy demand and aligning policies with EU directives (17).

Financial Environment

Financial incentives: The Renewable Energy Law provides financial incentives like Feed-in Tariffs, Power Purchase Agreements with Contract for Difference auctions for larger projects while introducing the concept of demonstration projects to showcase the application of innovative energy technologies (32, 37).

Fiscal incentives: Renewable energy technologies are exempted from custom duty, with VAT to be cancelled for solar and wind energy power equipment, reducing the financial burden on developers and encouraging the adoption of renewable technologies (37, 44).

Other incentives: Albania has secured a EUR 100 million policy loan from KfW and AFD for sector reform and electricity mix diversification towards renewable energies. The Albanian Power Exchange (ALPEX) was officially incorporated to carry out activities related to the creation, management and administration of the organised electricity market through the market platform, on a day-ahead basis (38, 45).

Regulatory Environment

Law no.24/2023, Promotion of Renewable Energy Use, April 2023: replaces Law no. 7/2017 , approximated with EU acquis aims to promote and incentivize the sustainable producing and the use of energy from renewable sources outlining support schemes including energy purchase agreement, contract for difference and premium contract, while setting the framework for self-producers of energy, operators, access to connection networks and guarantees of origin for electricity produced from renewable sources (33).

Law no. 125/2013 On Concessions and Public Private Partnership, April 2013 (amended 2019): abolishes the 2006 Law no. 9663 on Concessions, provides that changes in the ownership or the management of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) are subject to the approval of the contracting authority and the Ministry of Finance, unless such changes are due to trading of shares in a regulated capital market (37).

VAT law no. 92/2014, 2015: aligned with EU Directive, introduces new definitions of taxable person, taxable supply and taxable basis while setting exemptions or reduced rates for specific goods or services, or specific schemes tailored for particular projects (37, 43).

Law no. 55/2015 On Strategic Investments, 2016: aims to increase Albanian and foreign strategic investments in the sectors of the economy considered as strategic sectors, through the establishment of special favourable administrative procedures, mitigating and support services to the investors (45).

Marketplace Participants

Discover examples of public and private stakeholders active in this investment opportunity that were identified through secondary research and consultations.

Private Sector

Voltalia, KESH Gen Sh.A, OST Sh.A, Cez Shpërndarje Sh.A., Sineng Electric, Samasol, Sun Energy Solutions, Indian Power, Euroelektra, Mytilineos, Statkraft, Ocean Sun, Agna, Greennat Solar Park Ballsh.

Government

Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy, State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination, Ministry of Economy, Culture, and Innovation, Albanian Investment Development Agency, Albanian Power Exchange, Albania Investment Council, Albanian Investment Corporation.

Multilaterals

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), European Union, International Energy Agency, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), GEF (Global Environment Facility), ESPN (European Social Policy Network), IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency).

Non-Profit

Women Engage for a Common Future (WECF) International, AEA Albania Energy Association, Albanian Renewable Energy Association (AREA), Resource Environmental Center Albania (REC Albania), Foreign Investors Association of Albania (FIAA), Connecting Natural Values & People (CNVP).

Public-Private Partnership

Karavasta Project: In 2020, Voltalia secured a 30-year concession for a 140 MWp solar power plant through a competitive process supported by the EBRD. This partnership aims to enhance solar energy, attract private investments, and diversify energy sources (20, 36).

Target Locations

See what country regions are most suitable for the investment opportunity. All references to Kosovo shall be understood to be in the context of the Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999)
rural

Albania: Fier

The district of Fier hosts the most of the country's utility-scale solar power projects, with the two companies of Grennant Solar and Agna having applied for building solar power units in Agim and Ballsh municipalities. Voltalia's Karavasta solar plant with a capacity of 140 MWs is also located in the district (46, 47). According to World Bank's Photovoltaic Power Potential Map, Fier is among the top three regions with the highest PV power output (PVOUT) reaching 4.4 kWh/KWp daily, and 1607 kWh/kWp on an annual basis (48).
semi-urban

Albania: Durrës

Along with Tirana, Durrës accounts for 50% of the country's electricity consumption. The Spitalla solar PV park, developed and owned by Voltalia planned over 121 hectares with a capacity of 100 MW is located in the region. According to World Bank's Photovoltaic Power Potential Map, Durres is among the top three regions with the highest PV power output (PVOUT) reaching up to 4.4 kWh/KWp daily, and 1607 kWh/kWp on an annual basis (8, 21, 48).
rural

Albania: Vlorë

Vlore is among the regions with the highest PV power output (PVOUT) reaching 4.4 kWh/KWp daily, and 1607 kWh/kWp on an annual basis. A PV farm, Akerni Zone Solar PV park is planned in the region, currently at permitting stage with construction to begin in 2024 (48, 49).

References

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