September volumes and transaction value
Electricity trading on the Albanian Power Exchange (ALPEX) rose sharply in September, with activity linked to the development of organised wholesale electricity trading across Albania and its neighbouring market. Monthly trading, however, declined compared with August. ALPEX reported 224.2 GWh of day-ahead electricity trading during September 2026.
The exchange said the September volume represented a 75.8% year-on-year increase, while falling 8.3% versus the previous month. The reported value of electricity transactions reached approximately €70.5 million, up 170% compared with September 2025.
ALPEX also reported average market-clearing prices of €169.82/MWh for the Albania bidding zone and €164.17/MWh for the neighbouring bidding zone. The figures were presented in the context of growing reliance on organised wholesale markets for transparent price formation and market-based procurement across Southeast Europe.
Role alongside hydropower and growing solar output
ALPEX has become particularly important for Albania as the country’s generation portfolio gradually diversifies beyond hydropower. The expansion of solar generation introduces additional requirements for day-ahead forecasting, commercial scheduling and balancing.
The need for these processes is described as especially relevant during periods when renewable production and domestic electricity demand do not coincide. Greater exchange participation is also described as supporting price transparency and providing renewable developers with another route to market alongside bilateral power purchase agreements.
Stronger trading activity does not automatically reduce electricity procurement costs, according to the exchange data. Albania remains exposed to hydrological conditions, fluctuations in regional prices, and the availability of cross-border transmission capacity.
Exchange ownership, launch timeline and membership
ALPEX was established in October 2020 by Albania’s transmission system operator OST and its counterpart in the neighbouring bidding zone, KOSTT. The exchange launched its first Albanian day-ahead auction in April 2023.
ALPEX now has 36 registered members across its two bidding zones. Further development is described as dependent on liquidity, market participation, and the ability to accommodate growing renewable generation.
The exchange’s evolution is also reflected in how organised electricity trading factors into project revenue assumptions rather than being limited to an alternative to bilateral supply contracts.
