The Economic Commission for Europe at the United Nations reviewed its periodic report for Albania this January, focusing on some of the most significant developments, many of which were highlighted as early as November 2023.
Touching on the issue of increased emigration as a result of lifestyle differences or a shrinking working-age population, the report also delves into the energy sector and waste management. Concerning the latter, there is only one sentence that briefly presents the state of how this aspect is perceived in the country.
Specifically, in the section “Diversification and increased efficiency would enhance energy security”, it is stated, “Greenhouse gas emissions in Albania are much lower than those in the region, while energy efficiency is relatively high.
Electricity production is almost exclusively based on hydroelectric power plants, which still offer untapped potential for development.
However, the country still needs to import electricity during dry periods, while losses in the sector represent more than a fifth of electricity supply.
Albania is exposed to earthquakes and floods, which increase environmental vulnerability and, considering the current supply structure, undermine energy security. Waste management presents serious deficiencies”.
The report does not provide further details regarding what is considered a deficiency in waste management or identified weaknesses. Currently, waste management in the country is oriented in two directions.
Firstly, with landfills supported by several loans from a German bank, which have taken place in several regions of Albania, recently becoming part of the economic cycle.
The latest is the project supported by the European Union with a value of 19 million euros under the “EU for Circular Economy – Regional Waste Management Program” project, aiming to support Albania in increasing recycling, landfill construction, and waste management in line with European Union practices. In this case, the project specifically supports the regions of Gjirokastër, Vlorë, the south in general, and Kukës.
Another waste management alternative in the country is through incinerators, which are currently under investigation by the Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK). In August of last year, this institution seized the incinerator in Tirana, while earlier in 2022, the Fier incinerator was seized, and after the investigations were closed, the case ended with the conviction of several individuals. The Elbasan incinerator, on the other hand, is under the management of the municipalities of this district.
Waste management has presented serious problems over the years, regardless of the measures or orientation given by the Albanian Government, sometimes occurring at the peak of the season. The latest problematic case was the fire at the landfill in Vlorë, which lasted for days, polluting the coastal city.
