Electricity trading on the Albanian Power Exchange (ALPEX) increased sharply in September as organised wholesale electricity trading developed across Albania and the neighbouring market. Monthly activity, however, declined compared with August. The exchange reported 224.2 GWh of day-ahead electricity trading during September 2026.
The September volume represented a 75.8% year-on-year increase, while falling 8.3% versus the previous month. ALPEX said the reported value of electricity transactions reached approximately €70.5 million. That figure was up 170% compared with September 2025.
ALPEX reported average market-clearing prices of €169.82/MWh for the Albania bidding zone and €164.17/MWh for the neighbouring bidding zone. The exchange said the trading figures reflect growing reliance on transparent price formation and market-based procurement among producers, suppliers and traders in Southeast Europe.
Role of ALPEX as generation mix changes
ALPEX has become particularly important for Albania as the electricity generation portfolio gradually diversifies beyond hydropower. The expansion of solar generation creates additional requirements for day-ahead forecasting, commercial scheduling and balancing. These needs arise particularly when renewable output and domestic electricity demand do not coincide.
The exchange’s participation can provide renewable developers with another route to market alongside bilateral power purchase agreements. ALPEX said stronger trading activity does not automatically reduce electricity procurement costs for buyers. Albania remains exposed to hydrological conditions, fluctuations in regional prices and cross-border transmission capacity availability.
Exchange structure, timeline and membership
ALPEX was established in October 2020 by Albania’s transmission system operator OST and KOSTT, its counterpart in the neighbouring bidding zone. The exchange launched its first Albanian day-ahead auction in April 2023. ALPEX now has 36 registered members across its two bidding zones.
The exchange said further development could affect conditions for renewable investment and regional electricity trade. It added that longer-term commercial importance will depend on liquidity, market participation and the ability to accommodate growing renewable generation. For investors, organised electricity trading is becoming a more significant element of project revenue assumptions rather than only an alternative to bilateral supply contracts.