Albania is a small but very dynamic country in terms of the energy balance scenario between energy production and consumption, which is transformed from an energy exporting country before the 90s to an energy importing country in the last two decades. The economy of the country has been constantly growing and the living standards as well. It is precisely these factors that dictate an ever-increasing demand for energy. However, in more than 25 years, investments in the direction of energy production, the diversification of its production sources or the efficient use of energy have been very low.

Our country covers an average of 70% of domestic energy consumption, although over 75% of energy is provided by the large HPPs of the Drin River cascade. This means that the other 30% are imported from neighboring countries, often at a high cost which burdens the consumer directly or indirectly through the state budget. Furthermore, hydropower has a significant environmental cost, which in Albania’s conditions becomes even greater when environmental standards are not respected during the construction or operation phase of HPPs.

The city of Tirana, being the metropolis of Albania, has undergone dramatic socio-economic and demographic changes, multiplying its population in just the last two decades. House construction to accommodate this almost exponentially growing population, has not been accompanied by compliance with energy efficiency standards.

The purpose of this program is to know the situation of energy performance specifically in the city of Tirana, costs and forms of energy use. In addition, we intend to have some impact on the efficient use of energy through concrete program activities.