The Albanian government has approved the creation of a state-owned company, OER (Renewable Energy Operator), to manage the purchase and sale of renewable electricity and oversee the country’s green power support fund.
Under the Law on the Promotion of Use of Energy from Renewable Sources, OER will take over responsibilities previously held by the Free Market Operator, a division of the distribution system operator OSHEE.
The new entity will purchase electricity from wind and solar producers with contracts for difference (CfDs) and pay them premiums, then sell the energy on the open market.
Although Albania has yet to see its first wind turbine in operation, the move signals a commitment to diversify its energy mix, which currently relies almost entirely on hydropower. OER will also manage the renewable electricity support fund, providing premiums for state-owned priority producers.
The company is tasked with proposing operating models for photovoltaics, wind power, and hydropower based on EU best practices. With an initial capital of EUR 510,000 from the state budget, OER aims to play a pivotal role in Albania’s renewable energy transition.
