Electricity trading on the Albanian Power Exchange (ALPEX) increased sharply in September, while monthly activity fell compared with August. The exchange reported 224.2 GWh of day-ahead electricity trading during September 2026. This represented a 75.8% year-on-year increase and an 8.3% decline versus the previous month.
The reported value of electricity transactions reached approximately €70.5 million, up 170% compared with September 2025. ALPEX also reported average market-clearing prices of €169.82/MWh for the Albania bidding zone and €164.17/MWh for the neighbouring bidding zone.
Role of ALPEX in Albania’s evolving generation mix
ALPEX has become particularly important for Albania as its electricity generation portfolio gradually diversifies beyond hydropower. The expansion of solar generation creates additional requirements for day-ahead forecasting, commercial scheduling and balancing. These needs arise particularly during periods when renewable production and domestic electricity demand do not coincide.
Greater exchange participation can improve price transparency and provide renewable developers with another route to market alongside bilateral power purchase agreements. Stronger trading activity does not automatically translate into lower electricity procurement costs, as Albania remains exposed to hydrological conditions, fluctuations in regional prices and cross-border transmission capacity availability.
Exchange structure and participation
ALPEX was established in October 2020 by Albania’s transmission system operator OST and its counterpart in the neighbouring bidding zone, KOSTT. The exchange launched its first Albanian day-ahead auction in April 2023. It now has 36 registered members across its two bidding zones.
Further development of the exchange could improve conditions for renewable investment and regional electricity trade. Its longer-term commercial importance will depend on liquidity, market participation and the ability to accommodate growing renewable generation. For investors, organised electricity trading is becoming a more significant element of project revenue assumptions rather than merely an alternative to bilateral supply contracts.