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March 5, 2013

by AEA

Evaluation of the energy/thermal unit cost for each RET

The main elements of the pre-feasibility analyses of a certain plant are the initial investments, operations and usage costs, fuel costs, produced electric energy, interest norms, the life duration of the plant and some other indicators. LDC (Leveled Discount Cost) calculated with the following formula will be used to realise the cost-benefit analyses enabling the cost calculation as unit of electrical and thermal energy generation is:

In order to realise the preliminary analyses of the benefit-cost analyses, basically for each RES three different power rates plants (250 kW, 1000 kW and 3000 kW respectively) have been analysed. They supply thermal/electrical power for the family consumers, hotelier sector for the buildings in service sector as well as agriculture sector. The basic parameters of this analyses are in the following table:

Figure 27 Unit cost for each technology and each capacity [cent/kWh]

The figure analyses shows that the long term marginal cost of electrical/thermal energy is in high values for two technologies: photovoltaic and urban waste plants. The second group of the low cost plants consists of: wind and geothermic energy source. The third group is compounded by the classical plants with comparable costs such as: SHPP (which have a lower cost), the co-generated plants that realise the production of electrical energy, the efficient heater plants working with biomass (fire wood) and solar panel plants that realise the production of the thermal energy.

February 20, 2013

by AEA

SOUTH-EAST EUROPEAN ECO FORUM 29-31 May 2013, Sofia, Bulgaria

From 29^th to 31^st May 2013 in Sofia (Bulgaria), the SEE Solar Exhibition and Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Congress and Exhibition will bring together top industry professionals. The Forum & Exhibition are a platform for market exploration of the Region, up-to-date technologies exposure and hot topics’ discussions. The business, state authority and the general public in South-East Europe are increasingly aware of the clean technologies benefits and during the last years the countries are making a significant progress in the implementation of sustainable practices and adopting the best European regulations.

Some trends will drive the market of the green technologies in the Region and will open new attractive niches. The experts forecast a boom of installation of small integrated photovoltaic roof -, window- and façade- systems in the next years. According to the Energy Efficiency Directive all new buildings must be nearly Zero Energy (nZEB) from 2021.

The 2013 SEE Forum & Exhibition at a Glance:

Well-known companies are among the exhibitors- Sputnik Engineering (Solarmax), Krannich Solar, Global Hydro Energy, Costruzioni Nazzareno, Heliocentris Energiesysteme, Polytechnik, etc.
Exhibition / Forum scope: solar-, wind-, hydro- and bio energy, energy storage, waste-to-energy, energy efficiency, etc.
Austrian and Italian Pavilions
Speaker lineup – professionals from the European Commission – DG Energy, ECEEE, EREF, EuroACE, BPIE, etc.
The program will be diversified with many parallel events: Global Methane Initiative (GMI) on Landfill Gas Utilization, organized by the U.S. Environmental Agency; 2^nd Best Eco-Municipality Competition

Brochure 2013 Post Event Report 2012

Organizer: www.viaexpo.com T +359 32 512 905 | E office@viaexpo.com | W www.viaexpo.com

February 20, 2013

by AEA

Via Expo – Your Business Development Partner

Via Expo – Your Business Development Partner

In the digital age events remain the most powerful marketing tools for direct business. Via Expo is an organizer of high-level specialized international exhibitions and conferences in key industry fields. They facilitate and acceleration the entering of new products and technologies into the South-East European market by linking it with international know-how. Attention to detail, comprehensive promotion, young and creative team – all these bring participants and visitors the desired result – more valued contacts, more new clients, more fresh market ideas.

We work in the following sectors: energy efficiency, renewable energy, waste management, recycling, ecology, bio & eco products, gifts, packaging and food. Our 20 years valuable experience allows us to develop constantly new concepts and keep pace with latest trends and developments.

Via Expo is the first event organizer in Bulgaria which in 1994 began to make computer visitor registration and statistics of visitor profile. We cooperate closely with a great number of prestigious media, industry chambers, branch associations, trade and commercial sections and fair organizers from Europe, Asia and North America.

As additional services we offer:

Matchmaking meetings organizing
Stand construction
Furniture rental
Various advertising opportunities
Accommodation

Company Profile

Testimonials

Via Expo Ltd.

Bulgaria, Plovdiv 4003
3, Anton Chehov sq.
T/F: +35932/ 945 459, 960 011, 960 012
e-mail: office@viaexpo.com
skype: maya.kristeva

February 19, 2013

by AEA

The forecast of the RES percentage in the overall fuel mix in Albania

Figure 24 Energy demand for household, service and agricultural sector in the total energy
demand foreseen

One of the main goals of this study is to assess the energy amount that can be provided by the renewable energy. We stick on this study on the renewable energy technologies that can be applied in the household, service and agricultural sector. Taking into consideration the above goal the amount of energy provided by the renewable energy in the before mention sectors is analysed below. The figure shows the total energy demand foreseen for the household, service and agriculture sectors.

As it is shown in the figure the total energy demand in the household, service and agriculture sector will cover over 50% of the total energy demand. The analyses will be focused exactly in this energy demand, which can be provided from the renewable energy.

Contribution of each RET on the energy demand projection

The study of E. Hido informs that the solar water heating systems (SWHS) have generated 3.8 ktoe (44,2 GWh) until 2005. Meanwhile, according to the forecast done until 2025, it is supposed that the contribution from the systems will go up to 100 ktoe (1163 GWh). Therefore, in 2025 the generated energy from SWHS will be 26 times more than in 2005 (Hido 2006). The above data on the penetration of SWHS have been based on the penetration stage of the solar energy in the two sectors: household and service. The penetration of the solar energy in the household sector has been calculated in an amount of 16% in the whole country (in 2025). More specifically, the country is divided in three areas according to the heating degree days. Thus, the first area had a penetration of 21%, the second one 15% and the third area of 12%. The penetration of the solar energy in the service sector has been assessed in 15% in the public services and 27 % in the private ones.

According to the study of D. Profka, the photovoltaic centrals that produce electricity from the solar energy PVPP have not penetrated so far, except for a pilot project. Actually, there have been constructed around 5 kW. Meanwhile the forecast until 2025 implies that the PVPP (need of the isolated systems like the costal lighthouses and different the antennas for the mobile phone, radio and televisions) will contribute with a production of 4.3 ktoe (50 GWh). Thus, in 2025 the energy produced from PVPP will be 4.3 times more than in year 2005 (Profka 2006).

As a conclusion, the system that use solar energy can cover 7,8% of the total energy demand of the three sectors together (household, service and agriculture) or 4,12% of the import needs in 2025 in case of applying the mentioned scenario.

According to the analyses from S. Xhelepi, it concludes that until 2006 the SHPP have generated 1,7 ktoe around 20 GWh. Meanwhile, the optimistic forecasts imply that these plants will generate around 81,7 ktoe (950 GWh) in 2025, which means that the energy produced will be 48 times more than in 2005. As a conclusion, SHPP can cover up to 6,1 % of the energy demand in the three sectors considered or 3,23% of the import needs in 2025 (Xhelepi 2006).

According to the study of A.Hizmo, the contribution of biomass until 2005 has been 285 ktoe (3314 GWh). This is mainly dedicated to the use of fire woods, the only actual selection being used. Furthermore, he foresees that the plants using this energy will contribute by generating around 400 ktoe (4650 GWh) in year 2025, or 1,6 times more than in year 2005 (Hizmo 2006).

Contribution of biomass is mainly based on more efficient usage of the fire woods. Actually, the average yield of wood heaters is 35-40% and it is foreseen that the heaters of 75-85% yield will penetrate in 2025. The penetration value of the fire woods is calculated based on the annual production of the forests and the sector needs of the household, service, and agriculture demand. This process will have a double profit: it will enable the sustainable usage of the forests and it will considerably decrease the local pollution (SO2, CO). It has been supposed that the penetration of biomass will be increased by using the agriculture biomass (animal breeding, the so-called energy plants) in energy production of green houses and the especially in the energy production (as a secondary product) as a result of the urban waste treatment. The biomass can cover up to 29.8% of the energy demand in the three sectors considered together or 15,82% of the import needs in 2025.

According to the study of P. Mitrushi, it results that the wind energy contribution has not existed until 2005. There have been some attempts to install pilot wind turbines. Nevertheless, the actual contribute of this energy source is zero. It has been foreseen that the penetration of these plants (WPP) will generate energy up to 43 toe (500 GWh) until 2025. P. Mitrushi assumes in his study a concept-idea of the construction of Wind Electro Centrals in the Adriatic Costal area. The project looks more feasible in this area than in other ones because of the great energeticecologic-economic impact. As a conclusion we can say that WPP can cover up to 3,2% of the energy needs in the three sectors considered together or 1,7% of the import needs for year 2025 (Mitrushi 2006).

A Frasheri and M. Mico presents in their studies that the contribution of geothermic energy has not existed until 2005. It is expected that this energy source will cover 10 ktoe (116,3 GWh). It is concluded that, the geothermic plants can cover up to 0,7% of the energy demand in the three sectors or 0,4% of the import needs for year 2025 (Frasheri 2006).

The energy supply improvement, the reduction of electric and thermo energy import, the promotion of the new technologies as, DH & CHP (District Heating & Combined Heat and Power) in the service and residential sector are the main objectives of B. Islami’s study.

A calculation of the thermo energy provided by SCHP has been done by taking into consideration its penetration of 6% in household sector and 10% in the service sector until 2025. According to this study, the energy produced by SCHP will be 144 ktoe (1675 GWh) in 2025. Therefore, the SCHP can cover up to 10,7% of the energy demand of the three sectors or 5,7% of the import needs in 2025 (Islami 2006).

Figure 25 Energy produced by the penetration of the renewable energy schemes and contribution
on energy demand for household, service and agriculture sectors.

Figure 26 The coverage of the imported energy demand through the renewable energy

February 19, 2013

by AEA

Projection of energy supply and demand in Albania

The energy sector is one of the most important ones in the country economy. The supply of the energy according to the sectors is based on hydro-energy, being considered as the primary energy source up to the fossil fuels, wood etc. The history of the traditional sources can be carefully considered for a further analyses and forecast of the energy demand. This would help to an effective intervention and better control of the increasing trend in energy demand as well as to decrease the existing energy dependence. This analyses is important to assess the energy needs afforded by RES, which have never been considered in the energy analyses.

Figure 18 The consume of energy sources divided by sector

Taking into consideration the energy consume in different sectors, it can be easily noticed that this consume has huge ups and downs during the years 1990-2004, as shown in the figure above. As the country was oriented towards the heavy industry before 1990, the energy consume was considerably higher than the first years of transition. During the years 1995-2000 the energy consume has decreased up to 1/3 of the consume level of 1990. It can be easily concluded that there are high differences which call for future special attention on the energy demand.

Extracting and use of the energy sources in Albania

The oil sources in Albania are distributed in the West and Southwest. They derivate mainly from the two structures, the sand rocks and lime stones. The geologic slack of oil is assessed of 260 million m³, 54 million m³ out of which are accessible. The geological slacks of oil in the sea are assessed to be up to 200 milion m³, 50 milion m³ out of which can be taken out¹. The usage of oil in Albania has started since 1918, whereas the peak was in 1975. Eversince the usage of oil has always been decreasing, and from 1990s on it experienced a continous consume increase. This contradiction between the usage and consume has led to a dependence on the fossil fuel contries since years 90s. The difference between the usage and the consume has been increasing as a result of the transport development sector. Until 1989 Albania has been an exporter of oil products. Actually, imported oil and its products contribute approximately of 63% of primar energy sources.

Figure 19 The production, consume & self sufficiency of oil supply

The oil refining has been done mainly through four refineries available in Cerrik, Fier, Kucove and Ballsh. After the construction of the refineries in Ballsh, the other three refineries did not function in full capacity. The oil fields result with a high percentage of sulphur (4% – 8%) and high gravity (8 – 35 API). The technologies used in the mentioned refineries are quite old and give serious problems uncontrollable pollution. Therefore new investments are needed for further usage of them. A general technical-economic analysis would assess this kind of investment versus the investment on the renewable energy.

Coal is one of the main sources in country and it is concentrated in four main areas (see Annex C). The systems of coal enrichment in Valias, Memaliaj and Maliq are already out of function. The coal has mainly been used as a source for central heating and electrical energy production from TPP (co-generative), that are built near the coal mines. In general, the country coal has resulted to a high percentage of sulphur (around 4%) and a high percentage of ash and wetness. Therefore the coal results to a low calorific value with high emissions of SO2. The mine characteristic is that it is located in high depths (over 200 m) and in strata of relatively small amounts (70 – 100cm). As a result the country coal has a higher cost than the imported coal. This is one of the reasons that the use of the coal had a drastic decrease in the last years.

The production and the natural gas consume has started since 1963 and gradually have been discovered other gas fields such as: Divjakë, Frrakull, Ballaj-Kryevidh, Durrës, Povelçë, and Panaja–Delvinë. Around 500 wells have been constructed until the end of 1995; out of which approximately 3.04 billion m³ of natural gas have been taken out. Actually, the gas fields are in their final phase. The numbers of the wells are decreased to 30 and the daily collections can be up to 300-1500 m³N/day. The gas slacks have a decrease since 1995, but the peak was in 1990 as a result of identification lack of new sources and investments in the existing fields.

A very important source, which has given a considerable contribution to the energy balance of the country, is biomass and more specifically the woods. The usage of woods has also been decreased in the last years. During 1990 the fire woods contributed with 727.7 ktoe (or 24.6% of the total) falling until 271.4 ktoe in 2004 (12.5% of the total). This decrease has influenced positively in the minimization of the wood cuts, and simultaneously has had a negative impact since more electrical energy has been used, especially in the residential sector.

According to the data from the General Directorate of Forests, the total slack of the fire wood goes up to 14,3 Mtoe. The usage of fire wood, coal and natural gas in years and the percentages compared to the total of energy sources is given below.

Figure 20 The production and self sufficiency of primary energy sources for the period 1990 – 2004

The energy provided by the HPP and TPP

Figure 21 The production of electricity from TPP and HPP for the period 1985 – 2004

Albania has a high potential of hydro-energy, 35% out of which is used so far. The installed capacity up to now is 1464,5 MW. The average production of HPP in Albania is about 4362 GWh/year. The total slacks of hydro-energy are up to 3000 MW and the annual potential can be up to 10 TWh (Xhelepi 2006). A great importance is given recently to the use of the rivers in the central and the southern part of Albania, in order to have a geographical hydro-energy balance. 8 TPP have been installed in different time periods and capacities. The main common quality is the co-generation. Actually, all the TPP are out of function, except from Fier one, which works on a super minimal capacity. More details and technical characteristics of existing HPP and TPP and those that are planned to be constructed are given on Annex B.

The provision of the energy demand divided by sectors

The generating capacity is insufficient to face the today demand of 6.60 TWh/year (year 2006). The technical production has an average of 10-12 million kWh/day and the import can go to 8-10 million kWh/day. Therefore a total maximal supply of 18-22 million kWh/day can be provided. The required consume in a normal winter day is 25-27 million kWh. As a result, the electroenergy system is sufficient for 70-80% of the total energy demand during the winter peak, leading to power cuts. According to the NSE, this situation has a resulted to a trade defficit of 25.6 Milion USD in 1990. In 2004 imports go up to 310 million USD/year. To have a clear view, the trade deficit of 2004 is around 1272 Milion USD/year. 25% of this deficit consists of energitic comodities (sub-products of oil and electric energy).

The following forecast of the energy demand for the period 2005-2025 is based on the NSE. The energy demand forecast for each sector of economy has been done according to the same scenarios and trends of NSE.

Figure 22 The provision of energy demands divided by sectors

Figure 23 The supply of primary energy sources made-in country and imported

Albania dependence on energy imports is already 55% and is expected to increase over the coming years up to 70% by 2025 in case of no intervention (see figure 16). The following figure presents the coverage of the foreseen energy demand from the country energy sources and import for the coming 20 years.

Much attention will increase therefore the focus on security of supply. In this framework, one of the main challenges in the Albanian energy sector is the diversification of the energy sources and the self-sufficiency of energy demand with the country sources, reducing the import dependence. Renewable energies as indigenous sources of energy will have an important role to play in reducing the level of energy imports with positive implications for balance of trade and security of supply.

February 19, 2013

by AEA

Albania Solar energy

With solar energy, we distinguish usually two conversion types: solar thermal, solar PV (or photovoltaic solar energy)

In this study we are focusing more on solar thermal energy. Solar thermal energy is the process where solar radiation is converted into thermal energy. The most common system is the solar water heater system (SWHS). The water is heating by the sun through a collector, usually placed on the roof of the building. The warm water is stored in a tank or directly used to heat the house or preheat another boiler.

Principle of a Solar Water Heating System

Sometimes a distinction is made between active systems (such as a SWHS) and passive systems. An example for a passive system is a greenhouse that captures solar radiation without any additional process.

Background

The Preskot model is used for the assessment of the territorial distribution of solar radiation. The model has been adapted to the climate conditions of Albania, taking into consideration the multi-annual series of solar radiation (Mustaqi and Sanxhaku 2006). The following factors are considered as crucial in the assessment of solar radiation:

The geographic location of the country, which defines the possible theoretic potentials of the solar energy, taken from the horizontal surface of the earth.

Topography (closely connected to the scale of horizon hided from natural barriers), which defines the practical possible potential of the solar energy taken from the earth horizontal surface.
Baric systems (their occasionally and time duration), which define the characteristics of the cloudiness regime

It is very clear that the last two factors have the major impact in the identification of the solar energy characteristics. The influence of both factors is at the same direction, the decrease of solar radiation towards the inner part of the territory. Concretely, the heliographic measure spots (at the same time the inhabited areas) are located at the end of the valleys of the rivers. As a result the horizon is relatively closed to the mountainous slopes. It is evident that the solar radiation quantity measured in the station is smaller that the one taken on earth surface located in a plateau or locations of a relative height. On the other side, analyzing the cloudiness regime in the territory, it results that, an average of 5 degrees in the field areas and of 6-7 degrees in the mountainous areas. Consequently, the reduction of the solar radiation can also be noticed.

The reducing effect of topography factor can be avoided by recommending areas as plateaus in considerable heights, with an open horizon. Meanwhile, it is important to point out that the effect of causality and the duration of baric systems can not be avoided because of the stochastic character of the atmospheric phenomena. The result of these factors is the distribution in the territory of the annual solar radiation, as presented in the following maps (figure 15 and 16).

Potential

As it can be seen from this map, Albania has a considerable energy coming through the solar radiation. This quantity varies from 1200 kWh/m² in the northeast part of the country (the area than receives the lowest quantity of the solar radiation) up to 1600 kWh/m² in Myzeqe area, which is the area that has a considerable quantity of this energy kind (Hido 2006). The average of daily solar radiation can change from a minimum of 3.2 kWh/m² in the Northeast (day in Kukes) up to a maximum of 4.6 kWh/m² in the South-Western (day in Fier). Therefore, Albania has an average of daily solar radiation of 4.1 kWh/m², which can be considered as a good solar energy regime.

Figure 15 Territorial distribution of average daily solar radiation in Albania

Figure 16 Territorial distribution of average quantity of sunshine hours in Albania

Most areas of Albania benefit more than 2200 hours of sunshine per year, while the average for the whole country is about 2400 hours. The Western part receives more than 2500 hours of sunshine per year. Fier has a record of 2850 hours. The number of the solar days in Albania has an average of 240 – 260 days annually with a maximum of 280 – 300 days annually in the South-Western part. The potential of solar thermal is not merely determined by irradiation characteristics (which positively considered in Albania) but also by availability of roof space and orientation and inclination of the roof, the collector and storage as well (Ecofys BV2006). More detail for some cities you will find on Annex B.

Installed capacity

The penetration of solar panel systems are used for thermal power production during the last decade increased from 0 to 23 GWh in 2001. Nevertheless, based on the surveys of National Agency of Energy (NAE), the number of the installed solar panels in 2003 is increased with 35% compared to 2002. In absolute values, the number of solar panels installed in 2003 was 2800 units, while in 2005 it is expected to go beyond 4000 units (MIE and NAE 2004).

Energy Efficiency Centre (EEC) has designed and implemented in kindergartens and schools three projects funded by EU in 2002-2003. The investment amount has been around 85000 EUR installing more than 200 m² of solar panels. Based on the assistance of UNDP during 2003, an amount of 160 m² of solar panels has been installed. The total of the investment reached 70000 USD (EEC 2002).

Nehemia Foundation, has installed 168 m² solar panels and a contemporary heating systems in three schools of Pogradec with a beneficiary number of 650 students. In the framework of this project 28 m² photovoltaic systems have been installed aiming to supply the computers and lightening system when power cuts.

Another significant project in the area of solar panels is currently under implementation. Global Environment Facility (GEF) through UNDP is supporting the Government of Albania to accelerate the market development of SWHS as one of the measures to reduce the growing electricity consumption and disparity between demand and the domestic power generation capacity. This country program aims at accelerating the market development of solar water heating. It is expected that the end of the projects meets the following: the installation of 75,000 m2 of new installed collector area, an annual sale of 20,000 m² and with expected continuing

growth to reach the set target of 540,000 m² of total installed SWH capacity by 2020 (UNDP 2005). The project is financed partly by GEF through UNDP, and Government of Albania as well as from other donors and private sector.

If Albania would develop the solar panels at similar level of Greece, the potential production of warm water would be equivalent to the energy production of 360 GWh _thermo (or 75 MW _thermo of the installed power). These amounts correspond to a total surface of 300,000 m² (or 0.3 m²/family. The penetration in such countries as Israel, Greece, Turkey is actually over 0.45 m²/familje), which can be taken as a potential indicator for Albania for the coming 20 years.

Characteristic features for Albania

Figure 17 Daily average solar irradiation in some European countries.

The position of Albania, which has a Mediterranean climate, generates favourable conditions for a sustainable development of the solar energy. The high intensity of solar radiation, its relatively long duration, the temperature and the air moisture are exactly the elements that contribute to this effect. The Mediterranean climate with a soft and wet winter and a hot and dry summer enables Albania to have higher potentials in solar energy use than the average of the European countries.