Electricity trading on the Albanian Power Exchange (ALPEX) rose sharply in September, with activity reflecting the development of organised wholesale electricity trading across Albania and its neighbouring market. Monthly volumes declined compared with August, while day-ahead trading increased year-on-year. ALPEX reported 224.2 GWh of day-ahead electricity trading during September 2026.
The exchange said the September figure represented a 75.8% increase versus September 2025 but an 8.3% drop compared with the previous month. The reported value of electricity transactions reached approximately €70.5 million, up 170% year-on-year. 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.
Role in Southeast Europe wholesale price formation
The reported trading figures point to a growing role for organised wholesale markets in Southeast Europe. Electricity producers, suppliers and traders increasingly rely on transparent price formation and market-based procurement as participation expands. ALPEX has become particularly important for Albania as its generation portfolio gradually diversifies beyond hydropower.
The expansion of solar generation adds requirements for day-ahead forecasting, commercial scheduling and balancing. These needs are especially relevant during periods when renewable production and domestic electricity demand do not coincide. Greater exchange participation can support price transparency and provide 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. These factors continue to influence procurement outcomes alongside market activity on ALPEX.
Exchange setup, auctions 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. It now has 36 registered members across its two bidding zones.
Further development of ALPEX could improve conditions for renewable investment and regional electricity trade. Its longer-term commercial importance depends 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.