Albania power output jumps in Q1 2026 as hydropower drives exports and demand

Albania’s electricity sector expanded rapidly in the first quarter of 2026, underscoring how hydropower growth is reshaping both the country’s supply position and its external trade. According to data published by the Albanian Institute of Statistics (INSTAT), total electricity production reached 3,647 GWh, a jump of 63.2% compared with 2,234 GWh in the same period of the previous year.

Hydropower-led generation lifts exports

The surge in output was closely tied to Albania’s hydro resources. Hydropower accounted for about 93% of total generation in Q1 2026, split between state-owned facilities (45.7%) and privately owned plants (47.3%), reflecting a mixed ownership structure within a sector still dominated by water-based generation.

Trade performance strengthened alongside production. Electricity exports rose by 105.4%, reaching 1,503 GWh between January and March 2026. At the same time, imports declined significantly—down 57.4% to just 327 GWh—indicating improved self-sufficiency and a more export-oriented energy balance during the quarter.

Demand increases as losses rise

Domestic consumption also grew, reaching 1,954 GWh in Q1 2026, which represents year-on-year growth of 9.1%. That combination—higher generation, stronger exports, and rising internal demand—suggests Albania is expanding its ability to meet both local needs and external market opportunities.

However, efficiency challenges persisted on the grid. Electricity network losses increased by 7.7%, climbing to 515 GWh in the January–March period compared with 478 GWh a year earlier. Despite strong results in production and trade flows, the higher loss level points to ongoing issues in distribution performance that investors and policymakers may need to address alongside capacity gains.