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Regional energy market at the forefront of regional initiatives
18.08.2021
Albania and Kosovo are moving together towards regional and European markets, says in an exclusive interview for DW Skerdi Drenova, executive director of the Energy Transmission System Operator in Albania.
DW: Mr. Drenova, what is the current situation in Albania regarding the Common Regional Energy Market, an important part of the creation of the Common Regional Market, as a precondition for one day to be integrated in the pan-European energy network?
Skerdi Drenova: Albania has a consolidated energy transmission network. The European Union has set some indicators, the achievement of which is related to the construction of new interconnection lines. The interconnection target last year was 10 percent of net transfer capacity in terms of energy imports over total production capacity. The achievement of this target is determined by several sub-criteria, which are met by Albania.
The EU objectives are to create a neutral energy system in terms of climate impact, sustainable, competitive and based on advanced technologies. It is about using renewable energy sources and other efficient ways to reduce the risk of climate change and create opportunities for a more sustainable economy. The power transmission network will play an important role in decarbonisation, thanks to its connection to renewable energy sources, increased competition in the electricity market and socio-economic benefits.
Solaranlage Installation
DW: How many interconnection lines in the region is Albania currently connected to?
Skerdi Drenova: With six: three are 400 kV: Albania-Kosovo, Albania-Montenegro and Albania-Greece; two are 220 kV: Albania-Kosovo and Albania-Montenegro and one is 150 kV: Albania-Greece. Meanwhile, the construction of a 400 kV interconnection line with Northern Macedonia (MV) is underway, which is expected to be energized in 2023.
DW: Where is Albania in the efforts for a liberalized and transparent energy market? Earlier this summer, the German government gave Albania a 100m-euro loan to carry out reforms to reach such a market.
Skerdi Drenova: Albania has taken important steps towards the liberalization of the electricity market, related to two key moments of reform in the energy sector: the first is the adoption and implementation of the rules of the Albanian Electricity Balancing Market. Today, the Albanian power system receives balancing services from the domestic and regional market. The second concerns the creation of the Albanian Electricity Exchange (ALPEX - Albanian Power Exchange) as the only entity that, according to the relevant law, makes possible the operation of the daytime electricity market in advance and the electricity market within same day.
We, as the Transmission System Operator (TSO) together with the Kosovo Transmission System and Market (KOSTT) have established a joint stock company in order to create a common electricity market, which will serve both countries. Currently ALPEX is in the selection phase of the electronic platform service provider, which will be one of the European Electricity Exchanges, part of the Regional Price Union project, which will guarantee the integration of the Albanian and Kosovo energy market in the markets. regional and European ones.
Germany Symbol image Stromnetze
DW: What bilateral or multilateral agreements have been implemented as steps towards the regional energy market, with the aim of one day integrating this market into the pan-European market?
Skerdi Drenova: We have decided that together with Kosovo we will soon start trading energy on the day in advance through the merger of our two markets, which is known as the "Market Coupling" and then the merger of electricity markets within the same The two countries will soon sign a framework agreement on the establishment of a common energy market with the aim of approximating our secondary legislation, which can be considered one of the first projects to be implemented in the Western Balkans region., which will be followed by other projects in the future such as the one known by the initials AIMS (Merger of electricity markets Albania, Italy, Montenegro and Serbia in the day ahead) or the merger of energy markets Bulgaria- MV and Serbia. We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Bulgaria and MV to see the possibility of merging markets. In all these projects, we will cooperate and coordinate our work with Kosovo, so that the journey in this direction is common. One of the main goals of the EU energy policy is to develop competition in production and supply in an organized electricity market in order to create a single European market.
India Srinagar Eid al-Fitr Sonnenbrille
DW: What challenges need to be overcome for the regional energy market to be part of this market you just mentioned: the single pan-European market?
Skerdi Drenova: The challenges are many and multidimensional. For Albania, the challenges are the transposition of guidelines and European legislation into domestic legislation; security of supply; de-carbonization; Albania-Kosovo common market competition, with a focus on the issue of its liquidity and integration into the single pan-European energy system.
DW: What benefits will the common regional market and its integration in the pan-European market bring to the economy and citizens of the region?
Skerdi Drenova: The regional electricity market will create the conditions for a competitive market, which allows the establishment of fair prices, which stem from the implementation of a stable and transparent market. Conditions will be created for an import and export oriented market, which promotes consumer benefits by offering flexibility for integration into the pan-European electricity market and the merging of Day ahead Market and in-house markets. day (Intraday market).
Through the integration of the regional market in the pan-European market, the citizens of the region will improve the security and quality of energy supply, will be guaranteed a high quality air environment and will have stability in energy prices. Investment growth has created and will create new investment spaces for both new energy sources and their derivatives.
DW: Mr. Drenova, What developments have been related to sustainable energy in the regional energy market project? At the Berlin Summit last month, on July 6, the eighth in the framework of the Berlin Process, there were commitments for this type of energy, as part of the EC Economic and Investment Plan for BP.
Skerdi Drenova: The focus of Albania's strategy is the development of sustainable energy sources and the promotion of investments in this field. Albania is currently a country that produces electricity 100 percent from hydro resources. In this context, diversification of electricity sources, through wind and photovoltaic sources is the focus of our strategy.
Switzerland | Sonnenkraftwerk Mont-Soleil
In Albania, investments are being made for the construction of photovoltaic parks with an installed capacity of up to 2400MW as well as for the production of wind energy (from wind) with a capacity of 100MW. Our diversification strategy is fully in line with the plans for the development of the electricity market in Albania and the unification of the market with Kosovo. In the long run, after market integration, we expect our sustainable energy sources to be able to be competitive in the region of Southeast Europe.
DW: How does the creation of the Regional Energy Market converge with the initiative of regional cooperation between Albania, Serbia and MV, recently called "Open Balkans"?
Skerdi Drenova: With the completion of the 400kV line Albania - MV, the electro-energy structures of the two countries will be finally integrated. We are in the phase of starting the operation of energy exchanges of the two countries and this will create the opportunity to soon be a Balkan market with different supply areas. Creating a common market makes integration into the pan-European market easier in the future.
https://www.dw.com/sq/tregu-rajonal-i-energjis%C3%AB-n%C3%AB-avantguard%C3%ABn-e-nismave-rajonale/a-58891460?fbclid=IwAR0fXdBcvBATx9g05Z70iEh--I3gOlEUaU9uwc7SDFeyzExjd6Kzit0cIV8
I hope you have bought all these shares.
GLTY!!!
Pay atenrion when yours orders are placed by CDEL or OTCX.
It makes me hard to believe longs seelling here... I think its impossible.
I think they are MMers knowing this is the las chance to capture shares that they need... IMHO
Last chance to buy???
Right. Look at today trades and you will see that its obvious the MMers games... some bids and ask out of range of the pps after the todays highs.
Nothing have changed in my mind.
Wr are close to know what Falak is cooking.
19 strategic investments in tourism, agriculture, industry and energy
By RedaksiaLexo -08/10/2021 15:02
During the period 2016-2020, 19 strategic investments were approved with a total investment of 1.2 billion euros. The Business and Investment Development Strategy, 2021–2027, and its action plan, which was published today in the Official Gazette, state that the projects focus mainly on tourism, agriculture, industry and energy.
"Also, investors in the fields of energy and mining, transport, infrastructure, tourism, agriculture, manufacturing and business process transfer (BPO) can apply for fiscal facilities, mainly in the form of tax exemptions and price reductions. land lease ", the document says. At the end of 2020, according to SZHBI, eight projects of interest in the field of investments in Albania were developed, mainly from Germany and Italy as well as from the Netherlands, China and Japan. The total value of these investment projects amounts to about 94 million euros and is expected to create 4,090 new jobs. The inflow of foreign direct investment has increased significantly in the last ten years, driven, inter alia, by investment climate reforms. In 2019, the inflow of FDI reached more than 1 billion euros,
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the inflow of foreign direct investment during the first three quarters of 2020 decreased by 13.7% compared to the same period in 2019. EU countries remain the main source of foreign direct investment in Albania and at the end of 2020 occupy 54.2% of the total FDI stock. The main sources of investment include Switzerland (18.9% of the stock), the Netherlands (16.2%), Canada (12.8%), Italy (9.6%) and Turkey (7.2%). According to the data of the National Business Center, 12,944 foreign companies are active in the territory of Albania.
About 80% of them are 100% with foreign capital (10,231), while the rest are joint ventures (2,713). Most of these companies (69%) operate in the Tirana region. Most foreign companies in Albania are of Italian origin (40%), followed by those of Kosovar origin (8.8%), Greek (6.4%) and Turkish (5.5%). Foreign companies / joint ventures operate in various fields of economic activity. At the end of 2018, energy and mining accounted for 40% of the total FDI stock, followed by the information and communication sector (16%) and financial services (14%).
Less than 10% of all foreign direct investment in the country is in the field of manufacturing. But links between foreign and local firms are still relatively weak. According to the OECD 2019 FDI Regulatory Limits Index, the foreign direct investment regime in Albania is less restrictive than the OECD average or the EU economy. In order to attract foreign direct investment, in 2015 the government adopted the Law on Strategic Investments, which sets out investment incentives and provides rapid administrative procedures for strategic investors through a one-stop service center administered by AIDA.
https://lexo.al/2021/08/19-investime-strategjike-ne-turizem-bujqesi-industri-dhe-energji/
To understand the big picture...
https://china-cee.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Working_paper-202027-by-Sanja-Arez%CC%8Cina.pdf
Old but Ive never seen it
Overseas builders facing change
By Bao Chang in Macao (China Daily)
Updated: 2012-04-25 09:28
CommentsPrintMail
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Project contracting and infrastructure investment combined are increasingly dominating China's contracting industry overseas, and the industry has reached a plateau as it upgrades.
Chen Jian, deputy minister of commerce, said on Tuesday: "Over the past 30 years, China's offshore project contractors have made profound progress in (their) industrial structure and market distribution.
"They will embrace infinite business opportunities in terms of infrastructure investment and building globally, based on an interactive and mutually beneficial cooperation" with their foreign counterparts, Chen said.
"Amid the global economic slowdown, infrastructure investment will become a locomotive" driving the world economy, Chen added.
Chen made the remarks at the Third International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, which started in Macao on Tuesday.
The event is jointly organized by the Ministry of Commerce's China International Contractors Association and Macao Economic Services.
At the forum, CICA released its annual report on foreign project contracting.
The report said that China's offshore contracting industry signed new contracts valued at $142.3 billion in 2011, up 5.9 percent year-on-year.
Growth was constrained by the European debt crisis, a slowdown in emerging economies and political unrest in the Middle East and North Africa, the report said.
The association estimated that China's offshore contracting industry will expand 5 to 10 percent this year.
"Compared with the fast growth of previous years, the foreign contracting industry has evidently entered a state of steady development, and the trend will continue in the coming years," Diao Chunhe, director of CICA, said during the forum.
"However, in the medium and long term, the industry will regain momentum when companies complete their industrial upgrading," said Diao.
"Involvement in infrastructure investment can be part of Chinese project contractors' efforts to promote industrial upgrading," said Meng Fengchao, chairman of the board of State-owned China Railway Construction Corp Ltd.
Meng said that construction contracting is the primary focus of Chinese contractors' international expansion.
He said contractors should seek further improvement in the infrastructure industry as investors, apart from their traditional role as project contractors.
Infrastructure investment could generate more profit than contracting, he noted.
Meng added that in the second half of last year, CRCC's overseas contracts surpassed the average total seen during previous full years.
Financing has become one of the biggest challenges for infrastructure project management and construction contractors.
Most infrastructure projects need strong capital support, given the high risks of their investments and long payback periods.
"Governments, contractors and financial institutions in different countries should strengthen cooperation and introduce more financial products that project managers and contractors need, maintaining the sustainable development of the industry," Chen said.
In recent years, Chinese contractors have been exploring investment projects, merger and acquisition opportunities and joint operations in the global infrastructure market.
During the forum, a series of infrastructure projects were finalized. China Friendship Development International Engineering Design & Consult Corp and officials from Congo signed a memorandum of understanding for a special economic area in that country.
China Gezhouba Group Co Ltd and Albania's Energy Green Solution Ltd reached a consensus on the Shala River hydroelectric project in Albania.
China International Capital Corp Ltd has estimated that by 2017, infrastructure demand will double in the African, Middle East, Latin American and Asian markets to $3 trillion annually.
baochang@chinadaily.com.cn
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/business/2012-04/25/content_15133842.htm
Resolve to green the Belt and Road
By DIMITRI DE BOER/CHRISTOPH NEDOPIL WANG | China Daily Global | Updated: 2021-08-09 07:20
China becoming more and more proactive in aligning its overseas investments with the Paris Agreement
SONG CHEN/CHINA DAILY
The Chinese government issued a policy on July 16 encouraging Chinese businesses to integrate green development throughout the whole process of overseas investment and cooperation. The document, titled "Green Development Guidelines for Overseas Investment and Cooperation", was jointly issued by the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. It is an excellent step to accelerate green development not only in China, but internationally.
The guidelines recommend that Chinese enterprises "follow international green rules and standards" in overseas activities, particularly in countries where local standards are insufficient. The guidelines encourage the practice of environmental impact assessments in accordance with internationally accepted standards-a clear move to promote green development. By including the three environmental aspects of pollution control, ecological protection and climate change, the guidelines break new ground by aligning Chinese overseas investment with the Paris Agreement.
The guidelines recommend that Chinese businesses support investments in solar, wind and other forms of clean energy. This is absolutely essential as the risks of climate change are becoming painfully obvious around the world, including in China. The likelihood of extreme weather including droughts, heat waves and floods, is greatly increased by climate change. All countries should stop building new high carbon infrastructure, and quickly start to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The guidelines also cover trade, by requiring companies to speed up integration with the global green supply chain, carry out green procurement and purchase environmentally friendly products and services. If implemented well, this could be a game-changer for the biodiversity on our planet, which continues to suffer heavily from deforestation.
The guidelines come at a time when the world hopes to recover after the novel coronavirus pandemic has left many economies struggling. By publishing the guidelines, China shows its willingness to play an important role in supporting sustainable development.
The guidelines are specifically addressed to some of the most important financial institutions: the China Development Bank, China Import-Export Bank and Sinosure, China's export credit agency. This policy gives a boost to their efforts to go green and helps to set their expectations that stricter measures are likely to follow. In fact, many of these financial institutions are already actively working on going green.
In June this year, the Belt and Road Initiative International Green Development Coalition, ClientEarth and the Beijing Institute of Finance and Sustainability conducted a two-day workshop on environmental and climate risk mitigation with the largest financial institutions in the Belt and Road Initiative. Although the process is not without difficulties, these institutions are developing key policies, such as categorization of projects based on environmental risks, requirements for environmental standards, impact assessments, third-party evaluations, information disclosure and public participation, grievance mechanisms, and even potential fossil fuel exclusion policies. They are also making rapid progress in developing green loans and bonds, backed by a strong push toward climate finance from the People's Bank of China, China's central bank.
Looking at current investment trends, we're already starting to see this transformation on the ground. According to the China Belt and Road Initiative Investment Report H1 2021 released by the International Institute for Green Finance, 2020 was the first year when renewable investments in the Belt and Road countries exceeded investments in coal, while in the first half of 2021, no coal-related financing went into the Belt and Road countries. For example, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China pulled out of financing for a huge coal plant in Zimbabwe in June 2021, and China already supports the energy transition of many Belt and Road countries. This shift away from climate-harming projects makes economic sense, as electricity from new solar power is already up to five times cheaper than from new coal power.
We expect that this positive trend will continue, with China becoming more and more proactive in greening its overseas investments. The new guidelines allude to "relevant environmental protection requirements on overseas projects". These currently don't exist, which leads us to believe that they may be issued in the near future. Furthermore, in the run-up to the upcoming climate conference in Glasgow in November, we anticipate that China may announce further steps to make the Belt and Road Initiative even more climate-friendly. China's leadership on climate action and biodiversity protection is the key to the global green transition.
https://etleboro.org/g/2718c3ccb4b669b479a9904c7b0c3fc3en/resolve-to-green-the-belt-and-road
We could be right, We could be wrong...
GLTY
Great buys!!!
Its Sinking? Any news or prove of that?
Energy balance for 6 months - 55% more energy produced than years, losses in the distribution network fall
14:16 - 05/08/2021
during the first 6 months of this year from all generating sources in the country, marking a significant increase of 55% compared to a year ago, where for the same period was generated 2.7 mln. mwh energy. According to data from the Energy Regulatory Entity, production was dominated by public hydropower plants of the Drini Cascade with 57.3% of total energy, unlike last year where for the same period most energy was produced by private and concession HPPs.
HPP Moglica, which started production last year, for the period January-June 2021 has contributed to the production of 4.6% of total energy. At the same time, the production of energy from photovoltaic power plants has continued, although the amount generated is extremely low in relation to the energy produced from hydro sources. In total, these plants produced 21 107 Mwh of energy, marking an increase compared to the same period a year ago, where 15,882 mwh of energy were produced from these plants. Meanwhile, the total energy consumption for the 6-month period reached about 4.26 million mwh of energy, marking an increase compared to a year ago, where 3.76 million mwh of energy was consumed.
This large difference in consumption can be explained by the closure of businesses over the past year, which suspended activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, the level of losses in the distribution network for the 6-month period was recorded at 22.3%, marking a slight improvement compared to the same period last year, where losses were estimated at 22.84%. The level of receipts also has an increasing tendency during the 6-month period, being fixed at 96.1%, which marks an increase compared to the period January-June last year, where the level of receipts was at 94.3% of total invoices generated by OSHEE.
GRAPHIC
Electricity generation
6-month 2020 2.7 million Mwh
6-month 2021 6 mln Mwh
Ola Miter / SCAN
http://www.scan-tv.com/bilanci-i-energjise-per-6-mujorin-55-me-shume-energji-e-prodhuar-se-vjet-bien-humbjet-ne-rrjetin-e-shperndarjes/
Chinese amnassador in Albania interview.
https://albaniandailynews.com/news/our-special-relationship-is-a-shared-wealth
Author portrait:
Wolfgang Heinl , born in 1967, moved from an industrial district in Augsburg to the Allgäu in the first years of his life . The trained installer worked as a freelance specialist editor for building and energy technology for more thUan 15 years . With the daily text work , the idea for a first novel about a ludicrous construction project , a cocky building contractor , his eco - adversary - and a chief inspector developed who followed the protagonist like a phantom for almost three decades . Wolfgang Heinl likes to spend his free time outdoors , listens to heavy metal and has a penchant for canned beer .
https://bayern-online.de/buecher-regional/buecher-allgaeu-bayerisch-schwaben/buecher-fuer-und-aus-allgaeu/
The agreement between Albania, Macedonia and Serbia for a freer region is signed
Zero minute delays at the border in 2023, a work permit in 2022 and free movement of goods! Agreements signed in Skopje
Thursday, 29 July 2021 - 13:40
The Prime Minister of Northern Macedonia, Zoran Zaev, the Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama and the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vuiqi,, at the discussion panel of the Economic Forum in Skopje, unveiled the terms of the agreement between the three countries for a freer region in economy and cooperation between citizens, reports Telegrafi Makedonija.
The initiative between the three countries in the future will be called "Open Balkan" which will be a change of the current name "Mini-Schengen"
According to the heads of state of Northern Macedonia, Serbia and Albania, this initiative is for the benefit of citizens, for the economy and free movement of businesses, based on trust between countries and between the institutions of these countries, reports Telegrafi Makedonija.
In this forum, the three countries signed the agreement on:
Free labor, with which the citizens of the three countries will be able to work in Albania, Serbia and Northern Macedonia without any work permit that until now had to be obtained through employment offices in institutions or police offices. This agreement will be valid from January 1, 2022.
Cooperation for the green region is the second agreement signed between the three countries to carry out joint activities in nature protection and promotion of mountain tourism and protection of national parks. This agreement also includes joint activity in cases of humanitarian disasters. The three countries will face humanitarian catastrophes if they happen in the future in Albania, Serbia or Northern Macedonia. This agreement will be valid from January 1, 2022, reports Telegrafi Makedonija.
The removal of the borders will be part of the agreements signed today by officials of the three states. This agreement will be valid from January 1, 2023.
Zero minute delays at the border in 2023, work permit next year, joint qualification, health agreement and triple capacity in natural disasters, are what the leaders of Albania, Northern Macedonia and Serbia have agreed today. in the 'Open Balkans'.
Agreement on Cooperation in the face of natural disasters; memorandum to facilitate imports and exports and movement of goods; Free market movement and residence permits.
https://www.albinfo.ch/nenshkruhet-marreveshja-mes-shqiperise-maqedonise-dhe-serbise-per-rajon-me-te-lire/
Or is that book a clear messege sent by Wolfganf to the activist??? LOL
Blurb
These was my best post...
Its so bizzare. LOL
An influential building contractor paves the way for an electricity company to build a hydropower plant in the idyllic foothills of the Alps. Inspector Guntram Glattlinger is looking for a connection between the murder of an environmental activist, whose body was set in concrete during the construction of the dam, and a car accident in the Lake Constance border tunnel almost 30 years ago in which a manager of the electricity company was killed.
9 water supply systems in Tepelena and Memaliaj, part of the project for energy efficiency, Balluku: Quality of supply increases, service costs decrease
...The Minister stressed that during the third governing term, a number of important projects are planned in the energy sector, which aim to turn Albania into an exporter of electricity....
https://shqiptarja.com/lajm/9-ujesjelles-ne-tepelene-e-memaliaj-pjese-e-projektit-per-eficencen-e-energjise-balluku-rritet-cilesia-e-furnizimit-ulen-kostot-e-sherbimit
China and the EU in the Western Balkans
A zero-sum game?
August 2020
Within the 17+1, the five non-EU countries of the Western Balkans that are members do
not constitute a formal sub-grouping. As such, while these five countries are the only
non-EU members in the 17+1, China’s approach at the CEE level ignores this distinction.
Still, at the bilateral level, the approach of China to the Western Balkans countries
involves infrastructure financing more prominently than its approach to the other 17+1
countries. China’s involvement with the Western Balkans thus resembles its interaction
with developing countries, in which infrastructure financing plays a central role. In a
way, relations between China and the Western Balkans as a region may be regarded as a
hybrid category that combines elements from China’s approach to developing countries
with its interaction with member states of the European Union. Chinese activities in
Asia, Africa and Latin America are relevant for the Western Balkans in two regards.
First, Chinese companies that engage in infrastructure financing and construction in the
WB6 have often acquired experience and advantages of scale through their activities
elsewhere. Experiences from elsewhere are likely to have an impact on their behaviour
in the Western Balkans, for instance with regard to dealing with risks and managing
relations with local actors. Second, China’s involvement in infrastructure development
in the WB6 is part of a near-global network of transport, communications and energy
infrastructure that Chinese governmental and business actors are building as part of
China’s ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ (BRI). Infrastructure projects in the WB6 should not be
seen as stand-alone activities. Rather, their strategic relevance for China is related to the
BRI’s overall progress.
Mineral extraction is another area of Chinese involvement – chromite, copper and
ferro-nickel, etc. Some smaller Chinese companies own operations in the sector
(such as at Bulqizë and Kukës) and in many cases China is a monopoly buyer. Still, most
companies in the sector are Albanian-owned.107 There is rising interest in investment in
renewable energy, but little has been done thus far in Albania. Chinese investors were
interested in developing an economic zone around the port city of Durrës to the tune of
EUR 1.3 billion, but the project stalled in 2016–2017 and has not moved forward. Bilateral
trade is also rising markedly. In 2018, China became the second largest importer
to Albania, on a par with Turkey (8.4 per cent share) and behind Italy (with a share of 27 per cent). There are a few instances of initial Chinese interest that have not
materialised on the basis of insufficient protection of Albanian interests, such as the
number of local workers employed in the projects.108 One such proposal was for the
construction and operation of Kalivac hydro-power plant in 2017, when the tender was
won by a consortium of Turkish and Albanian companies;109 another is a two-lane road
project worth EUR 269 million, linking Tirana to North Macedonia, construction of which
was awarded in 2018 to the Albanian company Gjoka Konstruktion. There are no notable
greenfield investments by Chinese companies.
EU standards on the environment and energy
The Western Balkans remains one of the most polluted regions in Europe, with one
reason being that WB countries still depend to a large extent on low-level lignite coal
for electricity production.143 Environmental sustainability is one of the standards by
which European investment banks decide on their funding, so the EU has not provided
funding for polluting coal plants. China, a large exporter of coal and itself heavily
reliant on coal plants for energy, is providing the WB region with an alternative to the
EU by funding coal-plant investments. China’s investments in the Zelezara Smederevo
steel company and the RTB Bor copper mine and melting company in Serbia saved
local employment, but these outdated facilities create excessive air pollution, with
considerable environmental damage. While WB countries are so far not technically
bound by EU environmental standards, plants will need to be retrofitted in order to
continue operations if EU membership is secured. Specifically, the EU requires coal
plants to comply with its ‘Best Available Techniques’ standards under its Industrial
Emissions Directive (Directive 2010/75/EU), which would require tremendous
investments. Additionally, with EU plans for a new green deal underway, a more costly
EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) would be a death knell for the business models
of these polluting coal plants.144 While abiding by the EU’s environmental standards
is the responsibility of domestic actors in the Western Balkans, they receive the
opportunity not to do so as a result of the availability of Chinese-backed funding.145
Chinese economic engagement in the region hence allows the WB6 to avoid costly
EU environmental standards in the short run, while undermining their EU integration
path in the mid- to long term
BRI's key role hailed by diplomats
By CAO DESHENG | China Daily Global | Updated: 2021-06-23 00:00
Albanian Ambassador to China Selim Belortaja said his country has been backing and supporting the BRI.
"We strongly believe that opening the multilateral dialogue always helps to exchange views among countries to find the best ways of cooperation. Even if we have differences in the concepts, platforms or policies, we can discuss through such a large platform like the Belt and Road Initiative for cooperation," Belortaja said.
Argentine Ambassador to China Sabino Vaca Narvaja told Xinhua News Agency earlier this month that his country has developed effective cooperation with China in fighting the pandemic, and it is actively preparing to participate in the BRI.
http://epaper.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202106/23/WS60d26b1ca31099a2343576df.html
Green Development: China and Central Eastern European countries pledge cooperation in environmental protection
22-Apr-2021
China and countries in Central and Eastern Europe are marking nearly a decade of cooperation in various fields. And they've designated 2021 as a "Year of Green Development and Environmental Protection." Liu Jiaxin tells us more.
China and 17 countries in Central and Eastern Europe share what they call a "green consensus." This year, they're forging a path of eco-communication.
LIU JIAXIN Beijing "During the inauguration, both sides showed commitment in fighting global warming and vowed to strengthen cooperation among 18 countries in carbon reduction and green development."
SELIM BELORTAJA Ambassador of Albania in China "The earth is our exclusive and common home. The place where we live and work, grow up our children, love and get loved, project our dreams. Its quality and its health are prerequisite for our quality of life and for everything we aspired to achieve."
Last year, China pledged to become carbon-neutral by 2060. Its manufacturing sector remains a major contributor to energy consumption and emissions. And, as the world's largest manufacturer, the goal of carbon neutrality will be one of its biggest challenges in the coming years. This is why, experts say, China is looking to increase investment overseas in renewable energy.
QIN GANG Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs "The 17 CEE countries each have distinctive features for green development and environmental protection. They have abundant resources for bio-fuel, bio-gas, geothermal, wind and solar energy."
But, like China, these countries are also facing problems with pollution. And some CEE officials say the common goal for better public health is what has led them to push for cooperation with China in green energy. Liu Jiaxin, CGTN, Beijing.
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2021-04-22/VHJhbnNjcmlwdDU0MDk3/index.html
ALPEX restarts tender for electronic power trading platform
June 30, 2021
The Albanian Electricity Exchange – ALPEX reopened the tender for the selection of a provider of an electronic trading platform for the day-ahead and intraday markets as none of the bids met the criteria.
The Albanian Electricity Exchange was scheduled to start operating in the third quarter, but it faces a possible delay as it failed in the first attempt to procure an electronic trading platform. ALPEX issued a public call in March for providers but none of the offers matched the terms, so now it relaunched the tender, Monitor.al reported.
The international competitive procurement bid for an ‘Electronic Trading Platform for the Day-Ahead and Intraday Market and Services Required for the Operation of the Organized Market in Albania and Kosovo’ kept the maximum value at EUR 1.9 million.
USAID prepared the terms of reference for the tender
The specifications remained the same. USAID prepared the terms of reference for the tender. The system needs to include clearing, risk management and the interface.
The article adds Albania would stimulate trading at the electricity market with contracts for difference (CfDs) as an interim measure. ALPEX intends to implement the European Union’s so-called target model for the day-ahead and intraday markets.
Transmission system operator of Albania OST founded ALPEX in October with its counterpart KOSTT from Kosovo
https://balkangreenenergynews.com/alpex-restarts-tender-for-electronic-power-trading-platform/
The Supreme Court hits "Gener 2" and Balluku. Dragobia hydropower plant suspended
https://boldnews-al.translate.goog/2021/07/21/gjykata-e-larte-godet-gener-2-dhe-ballukun-pezullohet-hidrocentrali-dragobia/?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=es-419&_x_tr_pto=ajax,nv,elem
They dont know nothing...
Just algorithms doing their game...
No volume to think there are peolple behind these buys/sales. Only software...
Committee on Energy, Environment and Climate. Foreign Affairs Committee...
Sara Falaknas is involved here.
www.ipu.org/file/11252/download&ved=2ahUKEwjb25WdreXxAhUrqpUCHSw3AJ0QFjABegQICBAC&usg=AOvVaw0I-iDCTnGWZ7uKQFyNaXzA
Albania, regional champion in energy
By Ana Gjoka
14 July 2021 / 08:00
Energy champions, even exporters. Albania will no longer have its shortcomings.
This was one of the goals of the Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, during the 2021 election campaign.
"In Albania, a lot has been done for energy", he said in an electoral meeting, "from the Skavica HPP, to the Vlora TPP. Not to forget two photovoltaic parks, one in Spille and the other in Karavasta ".
Earlier, a report published on March 24 by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) said that Albania could significantly improve in some respects.
First, in ensuring energy security, but also in reducing the vulnerability of the energy system to climate impacts, by activating its large solar and wind resources.
According to the Hydrometeorological Institute, Albania has very favorable climatic conditions for the use of solar energy.
Even the engineer at a company with solar panels, Olsi Idrizi, for Albanian Post says that in recent years, "the interest of families has increased in buying solar panels."
According to him, this is a kind of clean energy that can be used anywhere in Albania, because as a country we have many sunny days.
The agency writes that given the fact that Albania has a longer duration of sunny days in Europe per year, this can be used to generate electricity: from solar panels and from the continuous installation of solar thermal panels to heat water.
In addition, cost-effective solar and wind potential is estimated at more than seven gigawatts, more than three times the total installed electricity capacity in the country, the report notes.
About 616 MW of this wind energy can be deployed by 2030.
Albania's large hydropower resources mean that it has one of the highest levels of renewable energy in Southeast Europe.
This also creates dependence on annual rainfall, resulting in high sensitivity to external climatic conditions.
In 2017, the country was forced to import nearly 40% of its energy, due to low rainfall, at a cost of $ 240 million. Diversifying the energy mix would mitigate Albania's exposure to external factors and build energy and economic stability.
In addition to fully exploring the national potential of renewable energy, the IRENA report states that it would also offer significant socio-economic benefits, such as: job creation, new source of income, local development industrial and reduced air pollution.
Government projects
One of the biggest energy projects has been the finalization of the one on March 25, the auction for the construction of the Hospital Photovoltaic Park between the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy and Voltalia, the French company that was declared the winner.
She made the most competitive offer, 29.89 euros for 70 megawatts, for the next 50 years.
The Hospital Factory will be commissioned in 2023.
Voltalia will be responsible for the development, construction and maintenance of the project.
The new plant will be located in the area of ??Spitalla, which is part of the Municipality of Durres, about 30 kilometers from Tirana.
The project is expected to benefit greatly from the great potential of solar radiation in the region.
Of the 100 megawatts, 70% will be sold through a 15-year power sale contract with FTL, a state-owned operator.
The remainder, about 30%, will be sold through another long-term energy negotiation contract with a private operator.
Banja Hydropower Plant
While the other project is the one in the Banja Hydropower Plant, where commercial operations have started, the first unit of the Floating Photovoltaic Plant.
This was announced by the Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Belinda Balluku, through an appearance on the social media Facebook, on Wednesday, June 2nd.
According to her, a unit of floating panels has been built in this Hydropower Plant to produce energy from solar panels.
Balluku has indicated that the project involves the installation of solar panels on the hydropower plant reservoir, thus using sunlight to produce energy.
He also clarified to the public that two different sources happened in the same space.
Also the production from the Banja Hydropower Plant, which according to it has a capacity of 72 mega and the first floating foltovoltaic plant.
This is the first phase of the project enabled by MEI support. According to the expert, this is a project of two megaVat points, "in which we have successfully completed".
The first unit we realized is 500 kilowatt points.
Among other things, he announced that the second phase will start soon, where three more floating units will be installed. /Albanianpost.com
https://albanianpost.com/shqiperia-kampione-e-rajonit-ne-energji/
Rama unveils in Athens the plan with 5 points: We are the "first" for energy and agriculture! We will build 4 tourist ports and the "blue corridor" (FULL)
14/07/2021, 15:54
The Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama is delivering his speech at the 23rd edition of "Symi Symposium", organized and led by former Prime Minister George Papandreou and with the participation of well-known personalities of politics, economics and the international academic world, on the challenges and post-pandemic projects.
Asked by Papandreou what are some of his and Albania's priorities in the coming years, Rama listed the long-term plan with 5 points.
Regarding electricity, Rama said that trade in the region of renewable energy, water, solar and wind energy should start. He also mentioned tourism, for which he said that the 4 new tourist ports that will be built in Vora, Saranda, Durres and Shengjin will help a lot.
Agriculture and technology were also in the prime minister's focus, as he did not forget the field of infrastructure.
Edi Rama: We need to have a vision in joint solutions on a regional basis, to attract foreign investment, investors must have large spaces in our countries, to encourage movement in this direction. We must have a common energy policy, be able to trade energy in a completely different way, and not remain in those small spaces of ours. We need to be resilient, not overly incapable of solving our problems. This is possible I guess.
Papandreou: When it comes to regional co-operation, I want to talk about corruption. It is a problematic area in our region, as government structures have come from dictatorial regimes, when transparency was never prevalent. You have fought for transparency. In this sense, what are your top priorities?
Edi Rama:In terms of energy we have a strong foundation and high potential for the future because I want to emphasize that we are completely renewable energy, our production relies on hydropower. We have two large areas for solar energy that of course we have for wind energy, a project that will start at the end of the year. We are very advanced in this regard. We are very important for water energy in the region. When we have more feeds than we need we will help. What is happening now is that when we have heavy rainfall and more water than we can use, then we open the doors of the dams and it actually creates floods which is something that worries us as it is costly as there are thousands of hectares of farmland that flooded and should be compensated. When we have drought and no water we have to buy in other markets at a high price.
In tourism we see a lot of potential, you know more than I do that this comes with risks, to destroy while you develop. We are trying not to make mistakes. We are in the process of building 4 tourist ports. Saranda, Vlora, Durres and in the north, Shengjin. We have built the new airport in Kukës and we will soon start it in Vlora.
Next is sustainable agriculture. We have seen a lot that has changed, from exports, but we want to reach even further. We started with a modest number of exports and now we have gone 400 and we want to go over 1 billion.
In terms of infrastructure, let's build the backbone of the country, which is the blue corridor, which is a priority process, with EU standards. We will start it soon, we made the first announcement for the public tender, but we did not succeed and we will reopen it again
The fifth is the field of technology and information. To have a thorough walk for navigation in environments that help children and young people to enter this new world. We decided to teach English from the first grade.
https://newsbomb.al/rama-shpalos-ne-athine-planin-me-5-pika-jemi-te-paret-per-energjine-dhe-bujqesine-do-ndertojme-4-porte-turistike-dhe-koridorin-blu-e-plote/
Nice buys.
Balkan Arbitration Conference 2021
https://www.balkanarbitration.org/
CDELs game is diabolic LOL
Merkel sees strategic case for Balkan states joining EU
German Chancellor Angela Merkel addresses the media after a virtual summit, in Berlin
Mon, July 5, 2021, 1:15 PM
BERLIN (Reuters) -Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Monday she sees the six Western Balkan states as future members of the European Union for strategic reasons.
"It is in the European Union's very own interests to drive the process forward here," Merkel told reporters after a virtual Western Balkans conference, hinting at the influence of Russia and China in the region but without naming them.
She said stronger regional cooperation promoted since 2014 had already achieved initial successes, such as a roaming agreement that had just come into force.
The conference was attended by the heads of government of Serbia, Albania, Northern Macedonia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro and Kosovo, as well as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Von der Leyen said: "Our first priority is to accelerate the enlargement agenda across the region and support our Western Balkan partners in their work to deliver on the necessary reforms to advance on their European path."
In the video conference, France's President Emmanuel Macron had "very clearly" declared his support for the prospect of the six states joining the EU, Merkel emphasised.
Separately, Merkel said Germany would give 3 million COVID-19 vaccination doses to the Western Balkan nations "as soon as possible".
(Reporting by Paul Carrel and Andreas Rinke; Editing by Andrew Heavens and Giles Elgood)
https://www.yahoo.com/news/germany-3-million-covid-19-161507175.html
Mohammed Falaknaz
Civil site engineer
Dubai Electricity & Water Authority - DEWA
aug 2017 – actualidad
4 años
Dewa warsan
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohammed-falaknaz-9022bb136/?originalSubdomain=ae
Happy 4th July for you an all USA's citizens!!!
Prime Minister Rama wishes a good weekend by distributing videos about the "paradise of the river Shala"
07/03/2021
Prime Minister Edi Rama has published pictures of the Shala River wishing a happy weekend. "With paradise from the Shala River", writes Rama while accompanying him with a video of wonderful nature.
https://lajmishqip.net/kryeministri-rama-uron-fundjave-te-mire-duke-shperndare-video-per-parajsen-e-lumit-te-shales/
It will be Next week ???
40 Government Recommendations from the American Chamber of Commerce in the 'Investment Agenda 2021' Framework
06/28/2021 - 4:23 pm
The American Chamber of Commerce in Albania published today the "Investment Agenda 2021", a package of 40 recommendations to the Government and the New Parliament with the aim of rapidly improving the Business Climate.
Through a letter of thanks, the President of AmCham, Mr. Enio Jaço praised the high contribution of the members, in identifying the challenges that hinder the way of doing business. Jaço requested that members continue to be involved in the work process for the return of recommendations to concrete legislation for the new Parliament.
The Investment Agenda is the result of the work of the last 10 months, where the American Chamber conducted a series of surveys with its members, followed by technical expert analysis, to improve the investment climate. Members' perceptions and findings are confirmed and consistent with findings raised by well-known international reports.
The 40 specific recommendations in the report are organized on 8 foundations of improving the business climate by anticipating the challenges, solutions and new opportunities that are created.
The agenda aims at a contemporary strategy for the successful attraction of foreign investment, implemented and monitored by the highest levels in the Government. The strategy should identify priority sectors and create incentives for their development, without bureaucratic procedures.
An uncompromising stance against corruption with real sanctions against abusers and transparent monitoring of accountability is important for building public credibility. The recommendations aim to create a transparent, effective system and without political influence on Public Procurement as well as to guarantee effective, comprehensive Public Consultation.
The recommendations aim at economic growth by addressing specific elements of the economy. The modernization of the tax system is considered vital for increasing competition and formalizing regional investments. Albanian exports represent new opportunities in the post-pandemic period, which promotes the necessity of the development of the digital economy, where Albania must create a modern legal framework. Creating a dynamic economic system requires new skills in human resources for which the Government and the private sector must engage together in the rapid and targeted growth of the skills of the workforce.
The implementation of these recommendations guarantees the construction of a dynamic business climate and the transformation of Albania into a competitive country in the region. The American Chamber will be ready to offer its assistance in translating the recommendations into legislation, while continuing the dialogue with all political and institutional parties with the launch of the new Parliamentary Session.
https://argumentum.al/lajmi/2021/06/40-rekomandime-per-qeverine-nga-dhoma-amerikane-e-tregtise-ne-kornizen-e-agjendes-se-investimeve-2021/
Brilliant!!!