Italian energy giant Eni has formalized its role as the primary offtaker of renewable energy transmitted from Albania to Italy through a planned 1 GW subsea interconnection. This agreement was solidified in collaboration with Emirati partners during UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s state visit, in the presence of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Eni’s CEO, Claudio Descalzi, signed three strategic agreements with Emirati firms, focusing on renewable energy transmission via cross-border interconnections, data centers, and critical minerals. As part of the deal, Eni partnered with Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) and Taqa Transmission to establish long-term electricity offtake arrangements in Italy.
Under the agreement, Eni will serve as the primary offtaker for up to 3 GW of renewable energy generated in Albania, which will be transmitted via a 1 GW subsea interconnection linking Vlora, Albania, to Puglia, Italy. This initiative builds on a broader strategic partnership framework signed last month in Abu Dhabi by the governments of Italy, Albania, and the UAE.
The interconnector, set to run beneath the Adriatic Sea, is expected to be completed within three years, enhancing regional energy security and advancing renewable energy integration between the two nations.
