The Green Transition and Energy Security in the Western Balkans Countries

Abstract

The global energy markets are destabilized as the result of the crisis in ukraine and sanctions against russia. Such adversely developments has additionally undermined the energy security of the Western Balkans countries that are faced with consequences of the global surge in energy prices. due to the range of the current economic and security challenges in the context of the ongoing energy crisis, the burning question that arises is how to coordinate the goals of environmental protection with energy security. The Green Agenda for the Western Balkans as a regional strategy for the sustainable energy transition was launched in october 2020 by signing the Sofia declaration, which relies on five crucial pillars: decarbonisation and climate resilience, depollution, circular economy, sustainable food system and rural areas, biodiversity. This declaration foresees the commitment of these countries to the target of making the continent carbon-neural by 2050 by phasing out coal subsidies, introducing carbon pricing instrument and renewables support schemes.The problem for Western Balkan countries relies in the fact that their energy mix is dominated by coal, while only Albania mainly relies on hydropower to meet its energy needs. The coalfired power plants are denoted as the main cause of environmental degradation in this region, hence these countries committed themselves to decarbonize the energy sector. However, due to the possible deterioration of energy crisis, the plans to phase out coal-fired power plants has been postponed over the next few years. using a comparative analysis method, we will explore the structural developments of electricity generation and the possible capacities for use of renewables. We will also highlight the challenges for given countries to meet energy security goals.