EBRD weighs €53m loan for Albania’s solar-plus-storage buildout in Fier

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is evaluating a proposed €53 million loan package for two Albanian companies developing a major renewable energy project that pairs utility-scale solar generation with battery storage. For investors watching the region’s power transition, the transaction matters because it targets one of Albania’s largest recent renewable builds and aims to operate at this scale under market-based conditions.

Project scale and financing timeline

The overall investment is estimated at around €105 million, combining solar capacity with advanced battery energy storage technology. The EBRD expects to reach a final decision on the financing by mid-June 2026.

Funding would be provided to two Albanian special purpose companies jointly controlled by Blessed Investment and Matrix Konstruksion. While part of the development is already operational, additional phases are either under construction or still in pre-development.

Solar capacity in Fier

The solar complex comprises Blue Solar 2 and Blue Solar 3 projects in the municipality of Fier. Blue Solar 2 Phase 1, with an installed capacity of 64 MW, has entered commercial operation. A second phase of 55 MW is currently under construction, while Blue Solar 3, at 43 MW, remains in the preparatory stage.

In total, the project includes 160 MW of solar capacity.

Battery storage and grid connection

The battery component includes a 30 MW system with storage capacity of 80.25 MWh. The batteries are planned to be installed within the existing Blue Solar 2 substation area.

The development also calls for building a 220 kV transmission line to connect the facilities to Albania’s national electricity network—an element that can be critical for integrating intermittent generation and supporting reliable delivery into the grid.

Potential risk protection via EU-backed mechanism

Project documentation indicates the investment could also benefit from risk protection support under the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus Hi-Bar guarantee mechanism. The mechanism is designed to encourage investment in renewable energy and strategic infrastructure projects across the region.