UAE, Italy, and Albania Forge Strategic Partnership to Boost Green Energy Cooperation

The UAE, Italy, and Albania have entered into a notable tripartite strategic partnership framework aimed at advancing green energy cooperation and infrastructure. This significant agreement was signed in the presence of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Italian Prime Minister Her Excellency Giorgia Meloni, and Albanian Prime Minister His Excellency Edi Rama. The framework was endorsed by UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber; Italian Minister of Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin; and Albanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Belinda Balluku.

Unveiled during the High-Level Dialogue on Grid Interconnectivity at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, this partnership aims to enhance energy security, promote sustainable development, and expedite the shift to clean energy in the Mediterranean. Key cooperative efforts include deploying large-scale renewable energy projects in Albania, focusing on solar, wind, and hybrid solutions, with some energy being transported to Italy. The framework also includes plans for a cross-border electricity transmission interconnection between Albania and Italy.

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber highlighted the importance of global connectivity to meet renewable energy commitments, emphasizing the collaboration between the UAE, Albania, and Italy. Fratin expressed satisfaction with the strengthened cooperation and Albania’s development as a renewable energy hub. Balluku remarked on the significant step towards Albania’s renewable aspirations, forecasting sustained economic growth and job creation as a result.

The new framework builds upon a joint venture term sheet between Masdar and Albania Power Corporation, KESH, agreed upon at COP29 in the previous year. This venture aims to develop and operate renewable energy projects utilizing various technologies. The signing ceremony was attended by high-profile dignitaries, including Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, and Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, alongside other senior officials.