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The first Entrepreneurial Discovery Process activity for the energy sector was organized on November 16th, 2022, at the premises of Tirana International Hotel, the focus of which was on the renewable energy sector, identified as a priority domain for the country’s smart specialization during the mapping phase conducted in 2021. Throughout this event, participants, representatives of all dimensions of the quadruple helix actors discussed and analyzed the primary factors that give Albania a competitive edge in this sector, its growth opportunities, the primary factors that impede the development of this sector and last but not the least the specific measures required to foster the development of the Albanian Renewable Energy sector.
Activities and Output
During the first part of the event, a presentation was given on the smart specialization strategy, the work done so far to prepare this strategic document (including the results of the mapping process carried out in 2021), the function of the Entrepreneurial Discovery Process, and, last but not least, the strategic role that the quadruple helix actors can have in defining the strategic measures to be incorporated into this document: (1) 1) the favorable climate conditions and adequate natural resources, which allow for the development of a fully optimized energy system
As for the second session of the activity, the participants engaged in a discussion about the progress and outlook of the renewable energy sector in Albania, which revealed a very optimistic outlook for the future of this sector, with the quadruple helix actors attributing this to three main factors: (1)the favorable climate conditions and adequate natural resources, which allow for the development of a fully optimized energy system; (2) the high economic interest to invest in this sector and last but not the least (3) the worldwide efforts to transition towards a greener economy. Despite the very positive prospect of this sector, participants also noted a number of factors that impede the development of the Albanian renewable energy sector, including a lack of diversification of renewable energy sources, the inability of the existing transmission system to fully accommodate the energy produced, continual losses caused within the distribution system, and a lack of specialized experts in the field.
On the basis of the challenges and opportunities identified in the second session, in the third session, attendees were invited to share their opinions on the key policy measures required for this sector to thrive. Some of the main aspects discussed included the need to update the existing legal framework, train professionals with the knowledge and expertise required to construct projects in this field that are both technically and economically sound, and enhance the existing transmission and distribution system.
Members of the Panel
Mr. Arben Shkodra: Secretary General of Albania Manufacturing Union (AMU), Member of the Inter-Institutional Working Group for the Smart Specialization Strategy and moderator of the event
Mr. Gjergji Sinaku: Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Energy
Mrs. Albana Tole: Deputy Minister for Education and Sports and Head Member of the Inter-Institutional Working Group for the Smart Specialization Strategy
Event organizers
This activity was organized by Future Center in collaboration with Inter-Institution Working Group, Albanian Manufacturing Union (AMU) and Albanian Renewable Energy Association (AREA), and the support of the European Commission’s Joint Research Center (JRC) and POLICY ANSWERS Project (Horizon Europe GA 10105887).