New Policies in Renewable Energy and Their Impact on Rural Areas: The Case of Fier County, Albania

Arlinda Hoti; Etleva Muca (Dashi)

doi:10.37075/RP.2025.1.09

Authors

Arlinda Hoti Albanian School of Public Administration Author
Prof. Dr Etleva Muca (Dashi) Department of Economy and Rural Development Policies, Faculty of Economy and Agribusiness, Agriculture University of Tirana (UBT) Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37075/RP.2025.1.09

Keywords:

Renewable energy, Solar energy, Energy Policy, Rural development, Fier

Q10, Q42, Q58

Abstract

This study examines the impact of new renewable energy policies on rural areas in Albania, with a specific focus on Fier County. Through an analysis of solar energy projects developed during the 2018 – 2023, the study outlines the environmental and economic benefits for local communities. Investments in solar energy have improved access to clean and affordable energy, reducing dependency on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions. Another important aspect is that renewable energy brings sustainable development to rural areas by diversifying income sources for farmers. This helps stabilize the local economy, as farmers can benefit from energy production in addition to traditional agricultural activities. Renewable energy policies have created new economic opportunities for rural areas, through increased employment and improved energy infrastructure. The findings indicate that Albania is moving towards more sustainable development by promoting clean energy, significantly benefiting from the country's natural resources. This transformation not only contributes to the environment but also strengthens rural communities and creates a solid foundation for future economic and social growth.

References

Altax (2024). Analyzes the Potential of Renewable Energy in Albania, Annual Report of the Energy Regulatory Authority 2023. Annual Report of the Energy Regulatory Authority 2023

Benedek, József, Sebestyén, Tihamér-Tibor, & Bartók, Blanka (2018). Evaluation of renewable energy sources in peripheral areas and renewable energy-based rural development. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 90, 516-535. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2018.03.020

Cacaj Pellumb (2023). The impact of electric vehicles on the energy system of Albania for a sustainable transport. E3S Web of Conferences. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202343611004

Čeryová, Dominika, Bullová, Tatiana, Adamičková, Izabela, Turčeková, Natália, & Bielik, Peter (2020). Potential of investments into renewable energy sources. Problems and Perspectives in Management, 18(2), 57-63. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21511/ppm.18(2).2020.06

Cinaj, N. (2010). Consideration on the potential of renewable energies in Fier district, their impact on socio-economic development of the region. Journal of Studies in Economics and Society, 111-127.

Collier, D. (1993). The Comparative Method. Political Science: The State of Discipline II (Ed. Ada Finifter, W.). URL: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1540884 (accessed 2024-09-21)

Dincer, I. (2000). Renewable energy and sustainable development: a crucial review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 4(2), 157-175. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1364-0321(99)00011-8

Eze, Val Hyginus Udoka, Edozie, Enerst, Wisdom, Okafor, & Uche, Chikadibia Kalu Awa (2023). A Comparative Analysis of Renewable Energy Policies and its Impact on Economic Growth: A Review. International Journal of Education, Science, Technology, and Engineering (IJESTE), 6(2), 41-46. DOI: https://doi.org/10.36079/lamintang.ijeste-0602.555

Falcão, Daniela S. (2023). Green Hydrogen Production by Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis: Status and Future Perspectives. Energies. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/en16020943

Fetting, C. (2020). The European green deal (No. 2(9)). ESDN.

Geng Hejiang & Zhang Renjun (2013). Game Analysis of Photovoltaic Enterprise Competitive Strategy Based on Technology Innovation. Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Systems Engineering and Modeling. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2991/icsem.2013.119

Gross, R., Leach, M., & Bauen, A. (2003). Progress in renewable energy. Environment International, 29(1), 105-122. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0160-4120(02)00130-7

Hofierka, Jaroslav & Kaňuk, Ján (2009). Assessment of photovoltaic potential in urban areas using open-source solar radiation tools. Renewable Energy, 34(10), 2206-2214. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2009.02.021

INSTAT (2023). Statistics on Energy Production in Albania. INSTAT.

Jafarizadeh, Heidar, Yamini, Eliyad, Zolfaghari, Seyed Mohammad, Esmaeilion, Farbod, Assad, M. El Haj, & Soltani, M. (2024). Navigating challenges in large-scale renewable energy storage: Barriers, solutions, and innovations. Energy Reports, 12, 2179-2192. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2024.08.019

Kouloumpis, Victor, Kalogerakis, Antonios, Pavlidou, Anastasia, Tsinarakis, George, & Arampatzis, George (2020). Should Photovoltaics Stay at Home? Comparative Life Cycle Environmental Assessment on Roof-Mounted and Ground-Mounted Photovoltaics. Sustainability, 12(21), 9120. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su12219120

S Kozak & E Muça (2020). Is the European Union membership a sufficient factorto improve the level of regional development? The case of Albania and voivodeships in Poland. Zeszyty Naukowe Małopolskiej Wyższej Szkoły Ekonomicznej W Tarnowie, 2, 13–27. DOI: https://doi.org/10.25944/znmwse.2020.02.1327

Kymakis, Emmanuel, Kalykakis, Sofoklis, & Papazoglou, Thales M. (2022). A PHOTOVOLTAIC PARK’S PERFORMANCE ON THE ISLAND OF CRETE. Journal of Energy - Energija, 57(3), 300-311. DOI: https://doi.org/10.37798/2008573325

Renewable Energy Policies in Albania. (2022). Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy. URL: https://www.infrastruktura.gov.al/en/ (accessed 2024-12-21)

National Energy and Climate Plan – 2024. (2024). Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy. URL: https://www.infrastruktura.gov.al/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/The-National-Energy-and-Climate-Plan-NECP.pdf (accessed 2024-12-15)

Moriarty, Patrick & Honnery, Damon (2012). What is the global potential for renewable energy?. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 16(1), 244-252. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2011.07.151

Annual Report on Renewable Energies. (2023). National Energy Agency.

Ragin, C. C. & Rubinson, C. (2009). The distinctiveness of comparative research. The SAGE handbook of comparative politics, pp. 34. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4135/9780857021083.n2

Sahebi, H. K., Hoseinzadeh, S., Ghadamian, H., Ghasemi, M. H., Esmaeilion, F., & Garcia, D. A. (2021). Techno-Economic Analysis and New Design of a Photovoltaic Power Plant by a Direct Radiation Amplification System. Sustainability, 13(20), 11493. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011493

Simionescu, Mihaela, Păuna, Carmen Beatrice, & Diaconescu, Tiberiu (2020). Renewable Energy and Economic Performance in the Context of the European Green Deal. Energies, 13(23), 6440. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/en13236440