A 100% Renewable Energy Scenario for Finiq Municipality

Abstract

The municipality of Finiq, located in southern Albania, is facing several challenges, such as population shrinkage, isolation, and loss of community identity. One of the main issues is related to a non-efficient supply of energy. In this regard, Finiq municipality is affected by frequent blackout of electricity. This is a dramatic issue both for households and companies. Such issue is a paradox since two big hydropower plants are present within the municipality. However, most of the electricity produced by the hydropower plants is supplied outside the municipality. The study is focused on the identification of the most suitable renewable energy sources as well as of their location within the municipality in order to transform Finiq in a 100% renew- able municipality. In addition to offering an affordable source of energy, renewable energy sources provide a wide range of socioeconomic and environmental benefits. The transformation to a 100% renewable energy system in all end-uses would generate new jobs, improve health due to cleaner air and water, as well as increase energy independence and economic growth. Fur- thermore, a 100% renewable scenario would allow to meet the European requirements in terms of energy efficiency and decarbonisation of energy, that can help Albania to make a further step towards the entrance into European Union. Due to agricultural character of the municipality, agrivoltaics (i.e. the simultaneous use of areas of land for both solar photovoltaic power generation and agriculture) can be a valuable option as many crops are suitable to be planted below the photovoltaic panels. Forest heritage is very huge in Finiq municipality, especially in the mountain area. A sustainable management of the forest heritage would allow to create a large amount of biomass that can be exploited for heating purpose, mostly in the area with higher heating demands.