Albania boost pilot projects and plans on energy efficiency, by Dr Lorenc Gordani, 2nd January 2018
The efficiency sector has seen in the last period the signed of a grant agreement by 6.5m euros among Albanian and German public authorities, while it is already working in the implementing a project worth 9m euros for the renovation of university campus of Tirana. Saving energy through improving efficiency is one of the key components promoted by German government in Albania, bringing thought the KfW an investments package at 15m euros. Projects that are seen to be extend in ongoing to all the government buildings.
Actually, the energy intensity in Albania, similar to other WBs economies, is very high compared to the average of the EU. The country remain 3 times more energy intensive than the EU 28 at large and 1.6 times more than new member states from Central and Eastern Europe. A situation that make the energy efficiency to be considered as the biggest energy resource – as it is cost effective and widely available! In more, energy efficiency may also help in enhance of energy security while at the same time decrease the emissions.
On above, the residential and transport sectors represent the largest components of total final energy consumption, accounting up to 70% of the total. Cutting it will contribute towards much-needed economic growth and reduce reliance on imported hydrocarbons. In more, delivering such savings would have a significant impact on trade balances, and public and household budgets, as well as the enhance of energy security and protect against energy tariffs adjustments, contributing to the economic growth.
Then, recognising the importance of energy efficiency the Energy Community decided on 2009 to incorporate the relevant EU directives into its legal framework. Albania as the others Energy Community member have already formally adopted the three Directives on Energy Efficiency, Energy Performance of Buildings, and Energy Labelling of Products. Through its membership in the Energy Community, the country is committed to adopting EU Energy Efficiency rules, norms and standards.
Those implement on process, have seen in the last month the adaptation of the 2nd and the 3rd Energy Efficiency Action Plan (EEAP). However, in this stage essential will be the speedy adoption of the set of by-laws to implement the new legislation by respective authorities, as well as the setting up of a dedicated energy efficiency fund, which will enable the effective financing of measures and projects in the field of energy efficiency.
Nerveless the above, the legal framework compliance and financial support putted in place is not the only factor that could play an important role. Consider the actual lack of expertise durable impact can only be achieved through a significant amount of additional technical support and assistance dedicated to assisting the country in the develop a large enough market for energy services with an emphasis to the SMEs. Further, fundamental will be that the political leaders embrace the principle ‘energy efficiency first’ as a really beginning of a game of change on a long efficiency process.
Disclaimer: The consultation of this article can be made through its original source. The authorship and the opinion expressed pertain to their authors. While every effort are made by Esc Adriatic to ensure the accuracy of which publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations may differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For any specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, we offer to direct communication through “info@albaniaenergy.org”.
