Albanian state-owned power utility KESH has launched a strategic partnership with Électricité de France (EDF) and Agence Française de Développement (AFD) to conduct a comprehensive study and develop a national energy storage strategy, marking an important step in the modernization of Albania’s electricity sector.
The initiative aims to enhance grid flexibility, improve the integration of renewable energy sources, strengthen security of supply, and modernize energy infrastructure within the framework of Albania’s energy transition and its path toward European integration.
According to KESH, AFD will provide a EUR 400,000 grant to support the transfer of EDF’s technical expertise, contributing to the evaluation and identification of the most suitable energy storage technologies for integration into the national grid.
The partnership will also focus on improving operational efficiency, strengthening climate resilience, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Albania’s water resources and energy assets.
EDF and AFD have been expanding their activities across the Western Balkans and Southeast Europe, supporting energy transition and infrastructure development projects.
The planned pumped-storage hydropower capacity under KESH within the Drin river cascade, in addition to Statkraft’s Moglica project, amounts to approximately 1.6 GW in total.
Last year, KESH also signed an agreement with AFD regarding the management of the Drin river cascade and advanced planning for energy storage projects.
This development comes as Albania continues to rely almost entirely on hydropower for domestic electricity production, while the national grid still lacks dedicated energy storage solutions.
This step represents more than a technical study; it signals the beginning of a new investment phase in energy storage in Albania, with broader implications for the entire Balkans region.
As regional power interconnections accelerate and renewable energy deployment increases, energy storage becomes a critical component for ensuring grid stability and enhancing investment attractiveness.
The attendance of French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness Nicolas Forissier at the signing ceremony, and his statement that Albania is a priority for France, highlight the broader geo-economic dimension of the agreement and France’s willingness to mobilize financial and technical instruments to support Albania’s European integration path.
The initiative is expected to attract further investment into storage projects and strengthen Albania’s position as a potential energy infrastructure hub within the Balkans in the coming years.
Source: https://balkangreenenergynews.com/albanias-kesh-to-draft-energy-storage-strategy-with-french-help/
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