Report for Identification of Policy Changes for Improvement of the Energy Sector in Albania

This consultancy report provides an in-depth analysis and practical recommendations aimed at improving Albania’s energy sector. It covers the assessment of existing legislation, identifies gaps and challenges, proposes a tailored energy efficiency framework, and highlights mechanisms to align national policies with international best practices. The report is intended for policymakers, institutions, and stakeholders who seek to enhance energy performance in buildings, promote renewable energy, and foster a culture of sustainability. By combining legal review, comparative analysis, and targeted policy measures, the document outlines actionable steps to support Albania’s transition toward a low-carbon and energy-efficient future.

Comprehensive Analysis of Current Legislation

This section examines Albania’s current energy-related legal framework, including energy sector laws, energy efficiency legislation, renewable energy regulations, and building energy performance standards. It also reviews international directives and benchmarks Albania’s policies against EU and global best practices. The analysis highlights progress made, while identifying delays, institutional capacity constraints, and areas where alignment with international norms is still needed.

Key Gaps and Challenges

The report identifies critical obstacles to effective policy implementation, such as incomplete transposition of EU directives, fragmented responsibilities across agencies, insufficient financial instruments, outdated regulations, and limited public awareness. These challenges affect the monitoring, enforcement, and overall impact of energy efficiency measures. Addressing these gaps is essential to improve energy security, reduce dependency on imports, and promote sustainable economic development.

Tailored Energy Efficiency Framework

A structured framework is proposed to enhance energy efficiency in Albania’s building sector. Key components include energy performance certification for new and renovated buildings, centralized databases for audits, tax and financial incentives for energy-efficient investments, and mandatory minimum energy performance standards. The framework also emphasizes capacity building, awareness campaigns, and policy instruments to encourage compliance and adoption of energy-saving measures.

Legal Alignment and Best Practices Promotion

Ensuring that Albania’s energy policies comply with EU directives and global standards is critical. This includes legislative amendments, effective compliance mechanisms, monitoring and evaluation tools, and the promotion of a culture of energy efficiency. By integrating internationally recognized standards and encouraging sustainable practices across public and private sectors, Albania can strengthen its energy governance, improve building performance, and achieve long-term sustainability goals.

Overall, the report offers a comprehensive roadmap for transforming Albania’s energy sector. By addressing legislative gaps, reinforcing institutional capacity, implementing financial and technical incentives, and promoting stakeholder engagement, the country can significantly enhance energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and move toward nearly zero-energy building stock by 2050. The recommendations presented not only support compliance with EU directives but also contribute to broader environmental and economic objectives, fostering a sustainable and resilient energy system for Albania’s future.