Interview by Radio “Ejani” with Eduart GJOKUTAJ, expert at ALTAX
1. The 2026–2029 government program seems very ambitious for infrastructure and energy projects. 700 km of new roads are planned by 2029, while renewable energy is promised to double. Can these ambitious goals be achieved?
Answer: The 2026–2029 program presents a broad developmental vision, but it faces multiple challenges. In infrastructure, building 700 km of new roads requires a balanced combination of budgetary funds, international loans, and public-private partnerships (PPPs). So far, the average annual pace of road construction has been around 80–100 km per year; to achieve the target, a 30–40% increase in the current construction volume is needed, which requires higher managerial and contractual capacity.
In the renewable energy sector, doubling capacity is technically feasible but requires:
– faster liberalization of the energy market,
– improvement of the distribution network to integrate distributed sources (solar, wind),
– and sustainable financial schemes for investors.
Thus, the objectives are achievable only if the government ensures regulatory stability and strong implementation capacity.
2. Key segments of the Blue Corridor will be completed: Milot–Balldren, Milot–Thumanë, Kashar–Peze–Lekaj, and Lekaj–Konjat–Fier, creating a new road backbone. Are funds allocated appropriately?
Answer: The Milot–Balldren, Milot–Thumanë, Kashar–Peze–Lekaj, and Lekaj–Konjat–Fier segments are part of a strategic economic corridor from northwest to southwest, linking the most active areas of the country with pan-European networks. Funding this corridor is economically justified due to:
– high trade flow,
– connections with ports (Durrës, Porto Romano, Vlora),
– and tourism potential.
However, the challenge lies in contracting methods and project transparency. To avoid cost overruns, the cost per kilometer should not exceed regional averages (2.5–3.5 million euros/km in flat terrain, 6–7 million euros/km in mountainous areas).
3. The connecting segment of the Elbasan Bypass will link the Tirana–Durrës highway with Corridor VIII toward Lekaj, creating a complete and functional connection between the western backbone and the trans-European corridors.
Answer: This project completes a strategic junction between Tirana, Durrës, and the eastern axis toward North Macedonia. From a geoeconomic perspective, it creates a functional link between the maritime backbone and trans-European corridors, potentially reducing logistics costs by 10–15% for transit goods. The challenge is institutional coordination among the Ministry of Infrastructure, ARRSH, and local authorities to avoid procedural delays and environmental risks.
4. Rail transport: the electrified Tirana–Durrës–Rinas railway with a new fleet will be completed. The Sukth–Porto Romano line will be built. Regional connectivity is ensured with the Vorë–Hani i Hotit, Durrës–Rrogozhinë, and Rrogozhinë–Pogradec railway projects, with investments exceeding 800 million euros. Is this the right direction for rail connectivity?
Answer: Investments exceeding 800 million euros in railways represent a return to sustainable transport policy. The electrified Tirana–Durrës–Rinas project with a new fleet is a pilot project testing an integrated transport model, while the Sukth–Porto Romano line will support the energy and logistics chain of the new port. The Vorë–Hani i Hotit and Rrogozhinë–Pogradec links are important for regional integration and trade with the Western Balkans. If coordinated with EBRD and EU financing, these projects improve transport efficiency and directly reduce the cost of export goods.
5. In energy, distribution losses are expected to fall below 12% based on new metering technologies, compared to 17% today. Can this be achieved?Answer: In theory, yes; in practice, it is challenging. Reducing losses requires:
– massive installation of smart meters,
– modernization of the network and medium-voltage lines,
– and reduction of illegal interventions in the network.
If OSHEE and OST implement investments in digitalization and network management at a steady pace, the target is achievable by the end of 2029. However, institutional intervention is needed to control energy debt, especially for public consumers and local units.
6. Over the next four years, the largest wind farm in the country with a capacity of 600 MW will be built in Tropojë. Photovoltaic production capacity is expected to double. Meanwhile, the “pump storage” project increases energy storage capacity in the Devoll Cascade and Koman–Fierze by 1,200 MW and 200 MW, respectively. Your comment?
Answer: The 600 MW wind farm in Tropojë represents a significant transformation in the national energy production balance. Combined with the increase in photovoltaic capacities, Albania could reach 30–35% green energy by 2029, compared to about 17% today (excluding existing hydroelectric plants).
The “pump storage” projects (Devoll Cascade and Koman–Fierze) are essential for maintaining system balance and managing seasonal peaks, adding 1,400 MW of storage capacity. This ensures high national energy security and reduces dependence on imports during dry periods. However, these projects require environmental care and transparency in concession contracts.
7. The Energy Academy and a state-owned oil market company will be created to ensure a drastic reduction in the final price, benefiting Albanian consumers. How do you assess these projects?
Answer: Establishing the Energy Academy is a positive initiative if it genuinely serves:
– professional training for engineers, economists, and energy managers,
– research and application of clean technologies.
If the structure remains only a formal institute without market linkage, it will be ineffective. Regarding the state-owned oil market company, the idea of drastically lowering prices must be approached cautiously. The fuel market is already liberalized, and any state intervention must be:
– transparent,
– limited to energy security functions,
– and not in direct competition with private operators.
If the state company operates as a strategic operator for oil reserves, storage, and energy emergencies, the project makes economic sense. But if it aims to control market prices, it risks distortions and fiscal losses.
The period 2026–2029 could be transformative for Albania’s infrastructure and energy sector, but success will depend on:
– project management quality,
– contracting transparency,
– regulatory stability,
– and integration of environmental and social standards in every investment.
If these conditions are met, the program’s objectives are not only ambitious but also achievable.