Evaluating Options to Integrate Energy Storage Systems in Albania

Abstract

The focus of the paper is to identify for the first time the most adequate energy storage systems (ESS) applicable in the central or bulk generation of the electricity sector in Albania. The application and integration of ESS is a smart way to overcome the problems of timely power supply volatility and minimizing energy losses, transmission congestion relief and upgrade deferral (top 10%), energy time shift (arbitrage), and many other services that reduce the cost of electricity and gain the security of energy supply. The presence of high-level rates of water discharges into the Hydropower Power Plants (HPP) and the problems of congestion in the transmission grid are the two main problems that require new methods for addressing and solving them. To select the right form and type of ESS that should be applied in our national energy system, E-select, a very flexible and internationally approved model is chosen. The results of this study are necessary for achieving a flexible, cheaper, and environmentally friendly energy system in Albania.