January 15, 2025 marks a significant advancement in international energy diplomacy with the signing of a new agreement between Italy, Albania, and the United Arab Emirates. At the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni signed an accord that envisions the production of green energy in Albania, the construction of an underwater cable to transport energy to Italy, and a total investment of over one billion euros. The project aims to strengthen energy interconnections between the three countries, with the goal of producing up to 3 gigawatts of renewable energy in Albania and transferring 1 gigawatt through the new Adriatic power line.
The alliance between Italy, Albania, and the United Arab Emirates is part of a broader international cooperation effort for the energy transition. Prime Minister Meloni emphasized the importance of “interconnections” as a key tool in the “new energy diplomacy,” aiming to establish Italy as a strategic hub for energy flows between Europe and Africa.
Albania is the most eco-sustainable country in Europe, at least in terms of electricity generation: almost all of Albania’s energy production comes from state-owned hydroelectric plants. The country is now preparing to expand its production capacity through investments in solar and wind energy, sectors in which the United Arab Emirates, with their experience through Masdar, play a crucial role. The partnership between Albania and Masdar, which began in November 2024, focuses on large-scale solar and wind energy projects, possibly integrated with battery storage solutions. This will not only diversify renewable energy production in Albania but also ensure a stable supply for Europe, especially Italy.
The project, which is expected to take around three years to complete, includes the construction of an underwater power line connecting the Albanian city of Vlora with Puglia, Italy. This connection will significantly impact the ability to import green energy into Italy, thus supporting the country’s energy transition and contributing to Europe’s decarbonization goals. The investment value is approximately one billion euros, a tangible sign of the strength of this alliance and its significance in the global energy landscape.
During her visit to Abu Dhabi, Prime Minister Meloni reiterated the importance of a pragmatic approach to the energy transition. She spoke about the need to overcome ideological viewpoints, emphasizing the balance between sustainability and innovation. She specifically mentioned nuclear fusion as a technology capable of producing clean, safe, and unlimited energy, transforming energy from a geopolitical weapon into an accessible resource that could “change history.”
Meloni also met with Flavio Cattaneo, CEO of Enel, who recently finalized a partnership with Masdar, further confirming the growing commitment of Italian companies in the renewables sector. The collaboration with the United Arab Emirates thus represents a key element for Italy, not only diplomatically but also for strengthening its position as a leader in the global energy transition.
The project, which will last five years, involves the creation of renewable energy production facilities in Albania, with the aim of generating up to 3 gigawatts of clean energy. The agreement also includes the construction of an interconnector to transport 1 gigawatt of renewable energy to Italy. Diversifying Albania’s energy sources, focusing on solar and wind power, will benefit not only the Balkan country but also the entire European market, providing an additional source of renewable energy.
For Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, this agreement represents a great opportunity for his country as well as for all of Europe. “This pact will help us further diversify our sources and strengthen our position within the European context,” said Rama, confirming the importance of the project not only for energy sustainability but also for the energy security of the entire region.
