Albania has considerable potential for the production of geothermal electricity. In a study of the Economic Commission of the United Nations for Europe published in June of this year, experts have singled out several large geothermal regions, which can be used to provide energy for greenhouses, for aquaculture, or even the extraction of mineral salts.
The study identifies that there are seven groups of geothermal sources in the Kruja area. Well temperatures in the Tirana-Elbasan area vary from 60 - 65.5°C. At least six wells have been drilled in the geothermal area of Ardenica, where different structures intersect. On the surface, they discharge water at temperatures of 32-67°C.
In the Peshkopi geothermal area, water with a temperature of 43.5°C flows from a group of thermal springs on a river slope. Considering the characteristics of geothermal resources in Albania, models have been proposed for the development of the central heating system. The document states that in order to further advance the use of geothermal resources in Albania, efforts can be made to improve capacity, transfer technology and spread knowledge.
Currently, geothermal sources of electricity production are not widespread in the world. The most successful model is Iceland, which produces nearly 30 percent of its total energy through geothermal resources.