Albania is moving forward with a major energy diversification effort as its first natural gas-fired power plant enters the financing stage. The plant, to be built in Roskovec, Fier County—a region already known for its solar energy development—is being developed by Fier Thermoelectric, a joint venture between Greek companies GEK Terna and DEPA Trade, along with Albanian firm Gener 2.
The project marks a strategic shift for Albania, which currently depends almost entirely on hydropower. By incorporating natural gas, the country aims to balance its energy mix, alongside ongoing investments in solar and wind power. The new 147 MW facility will use gas supplied via the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP). Although the government had initially planned for a 170 MW plant, the approved design falls slightly short of that target. Construction is expected to take three years.
DEPA Trade entered the project in 2023, acquiring a 35% share from GEK Terna and securing a seven-year gas supply agreement. Both Greek partners now hold equal stakes, while Gener 2 retains a 30% share. The project is not based on a concession model. Instead, the operator is required to either provide 2% of its electricity production to the state or pay a corresponding financial royalty. The license for the plant is valid for 49 years, and the operator is also obligated to supply a portion of its electricity to Albania’s public energy provider.
Despite the government’s backing, the project has sparked local opposition. Residents of nearby villages have raised environmental and health concerns, claiming they were not properly consulted. Some have filed legal complaints against Roskovec’s mayor and criticized the project for prioritizing electricity exports over domestic use.
