The 3rd Tirana Energy Forum, organized by the Institute of Energy for SE Europe (IENE) in collaboration with SEA Consulting, was successfully held on Thursday, May 30, in the Albanian capitalThe 3rd Tirana Energy Forum, organized by the Institute of Energy for SE Europe (IENE) in collaboration with SEA Consulting, was successfully held on Thursday, May 30, in the Albanian capital. This established IENE event focused on the energy market of one of SE Europe’s emerging economies and attracted significant interest from key players and investors in Albania’s energy sector. Thanks to the participation of distinguished speakers, the forum effectively highlighted Albania’s substantial energy potential.
The event started with a comprehensive review of current energy policies in SE Europe, particularly in the Western Balkans, and was conducted with a focus on the latest energy developments in Albania. Albania’s full range of current energy resources and the prospects for transforming the country's electricity system and market infrastructure was explored. Speakers in the individual sessions mapped out the challenges and opportunities across the entire energy spectrum.
The forum commenced with introductory remarks by the Chairman and Executive Director of IENE, Mr. Costis Stambolis. Mr. Stambolis who emphasized the Institute’s commitment to its regional role and noted that the continuous organization of the forum contributes significantly to this goal. Mr. Shkelqim Bozgo, Director of SEA-Consulting, also provided introductory comments on behalf of the co-organizer. Professor Stavri Dhima, an Independent Energy and Risk Assessment Consultant and Senior Partner of IENE in Albania, outlined the key challenges facing the country’s energy sector. Additionally, Mr. Denald George Tafani, President of the Hellenic Business Association of Albania, offered remarks emphasizing the Greek business presence in the Albanian economy.
HE the Ambassador of Greece in Tirana, Mrs. Konstantina Kamitsi, addressed the forum and praised the role of IENE in promoting bilateral relations in SE Europe in the field of energy.
Issues related to Albania's electricity infrastructure were the focus of the 2nd session of the Forum. Speakers included the Head of the Long-Term Planning Sector in the Directorate of Planning and Development of Transmission Networks of OST Sh. A., the Operator of the Transmission System of Albania, Mr. Fatjon Zekaj, as well as the Head of the Directorate of Strategy & Planning of System Development of the Independent Power Transmission Operator (ADMIE), Mr. Konstantinos Tsirekis. Between them the speakers analyzed the critical role of base load for the operation of the electrical systems of the region, including Albania, with special reference to the country's large hydroelectric potential and the prospect of importing natural gas.
The 3rd session was dedicated to the regulation and operation of the Albanian electricity market, with speakers including the Head of the Electricity Market Monitoring Office at the Albanian Energy Regulatory Agency (ERE), Mr. Lorenc Kosta, the CEO of the Albanian Energy Exchange (ALPEX), Mr. Sokol Dishnica, the Managing Director of PPC - PPC Albania Sh.A., Mr. Georgios Lanza, and the Principal Consultant of SEA-Consulting, Mr. Abaz Aliko.
The 4th session focused on the exploration and production of hydrocarbons and the domestic oil and natural gas market. Speakers included Dr. Ilia Gjermani, Director of Development Programs in the Hydrocarbon Sector at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy of Albania, and Mrs. Ledina Shuaipi, Reservoir Engineer at Bankers Petroleum Albania Ltd. They highlighted the significant hydrocarbon exploration and production potential of Albania, noting the country's long history in this field, the planned investments, and the significant contribution of crude exports to the economy.
In the 5th session, Mr. Kostas Theophylaktos, Member of the Board and Secretary General of IENE, along with Mrs. Claire Schamps, Development Manager of Voltalia Albanie SH.P.K, and Ms. Anita Shushku, President of the Albanian Association of Renewable Energy Sources (AREA), discussed issues related to renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, and cogeneration. They emphasized the growing importance of these areas in buildings and industry in Albania, in line with demand management policies.
The 6th and final session focused on the growing role of renewable energy sources, particularly the development of photovoltaics in Albania's energy system, which has historically relied on hydropower. The event concluded with closing remarks by the organizers.
The 3rd Tirana Energy Forum, organized by IENE, was held at the Tirana International Hotel in the center of the Albanian capital. The event was supported by major energy companies from Albania and Greece. The Strategic Partner for this event was the Association of Greek Businesses of Albania (HBAA), while the Independent Power Transmission Operator (ADMIE), KG Law Firm, and the energy company EnSCo participated as supporters. Communication sponsors included the energy portal Energia.gr and NEGlobal.eu.
