There is only one way to solve Albania's energy problem: energy storage

With less than seven weeks remaining until the parliamentary elections of April 25th, election campaigns across all competing political parties are in full swing. While there exists a significant divide between the policies, principles, and beliefs of Prime Minister Rama and opposition leader Basha, they share common ground on one critical issue: both have committed to addressing Albania's energy challenges through immediate action.

Albania's electricity supply is almost entirely dependent on hydropower generation. While this approach results in a minimal carbon footprint from energy production, it also renders the country vulnerable to climate variability, particularly during summer months. When hydropower plants are non-operational—typically during periods of low rainfall—Albania must import electricity at premium rates from neighboring countries to meet domestic demand.

In response to this challenge, opposition leader Basha has pledged to expand the country's hydropower infrastructure if elected. Similarly, Prime Minister Rama has emphasized his government's distribution of numerous hydropower concessions in recent years. However, empirical evidence indicates that simply increasing the number of power plants does not guarantee that Albania's energy requirements will be adequately addressed.

According to the latest report by Instat, electricity supply decreased by 0.3% in both 2020 and 2019. This decline occurs despite abundant energy generation during winter months, as supply reaches critically low levels during Albania's hot summer periods.

This data demonstrates that the current political establishment has fundamentally misunderstood the nature of Albania's energy challenges. Rather than focusing on expanding hydropower infrastructure, the country should prioritize developing comprehensive energy storage capabilities. Multiple proven technologies are currently being implemented or planned by various nations to enhance their energy storage capacities.

Pumped Hydro Storage

Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS) represents the most widely adopted energy storage solution globally. This technology operates on a relatively simple principle, requiring only two reservoirs at different elevations. During periods of high electricity demand or drought conditions, water is released from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir, generating electricity through hydroelectric turbines. Conversely, during periods of low demand or high energy supply—such as during heavy precipitation—water is pumped back to the upper reservoir for future use. This technology demonstrates exceptional efficiency, with the US Department of Energy reporting that PHS facilities currently provide 95% of worldwide electric storage capacity.

Gravity-Based Energy Storage

Gravity-based energy storage, exemplified by Energy Vault's innovative approach, represents another promising technology currently being implemented in countries such as Switzerland. A full-scale Energy Vault facility consists of a 35-story crane system with six arms, surrounded by thousands of 30-ton concrete blocks. During periods of energy surplus, the system stacks blocks in tower formations around the central structure. When energy demand exceeds supply, the cranes lower these blocks, converting gravitational potential energy into electricity through controlled descent mechanisms.

This technology offers several significant advantages. Unlike traditional pumped hydro systems, it is not constrained by specific topographical requirements and does not necessitate multi-billion dollar infrastructure investments. According to CEO and co-founder Robert Piconi, the system achieves approximately 90% efficiency while delivering long-duration storage at approximately half the current market price.

VIDEO: Energy Vault Technology Demonstration

Compressed Air Energy Storage

Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) represents another viable technology that could provide significant benefits for Albania's energy infrastructure. Similar to pumped hydro storage, this technology operates on straightforward principles. During periods of low-cost, surplus electricity availability, air is compressed and stored in underground geological formations that function as natural storage reservoirs. When energy demand requires additional generation capacity, the compressed air is heated and expanded through turbines to produce electricity. This technology has been successfully implemented in several countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and India.

These examples demonstrate that proven energy storage technologies are readily available and implementable. The primary barrier to their adoption is not technical feasibility but political commitment. Albania requires leadership that recognizes that further damming of Europe's remaining pristine rivers will not resolve the country's energy challenges. The establishment of a comprehensive energy storage infrastructure represents an urgent priority for Albania's sustainable energy future.