The power we’re letting slip away lies in the untapped potential of the Balkans to lead the clean energy revolution. Unlocking this potential is not just an environmental necessity, it’s a strategic opportunity to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water), by transforming the region’s vast natural resources into drivers of sustainable growth and resilience.
The global transition toward clean energy is essential for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) especially SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).
Recent scientific studies show that using just 1% of the world’s coastal waters could generate enough offshore wind and solar energy to supply one-third of global electricity by 2050. This underlines the vast and largely untapped potential of offshore renewables a frontier that can significantly contribute to global decarbonisation and climate stability if developed responsibly.
At present, offshore wind accounts for less than 1% of global electricity production. To unlock its potential, the world must accelerate innovation in floating wind and solar technologies, strengthen international partnerships, and build the necessary grid and port infrastructure. The opportunities are vast, but the challenge lies in transforming theoretical potential into practical progress.
A regional perspective: Albania, North Macedonia and Greece
For Southeast Europe, and particularly the Western Balkans, offshore renewables represent a historic opportunity. While North Macedonia lacks direct access to the sea, its geographical position between Albania and Greece both rich in coastal wind and solar potential opens the door for cross-border cooperation and shared energy development.
Albania’s long Adriatic and Ionian coastlines offer promising sites for offshore wind and floating solar systems, complementing its strong hydropower base. Greece is already advancing ambitious offshore wind plans in the Aegean and Ionian Seas, positioning itself as a regional leader in the renewable energy transition.
A call for cooperation: North Macedonia and Albania
North Macedonia and Albania have a genuine opportunity to design a joint framework for offshore renewable energy cooperation. North Macedonia, with its emerging renewable energy policies, skilled workforce, and growing network of international partners, could play a key role in technology development, manufacturing, and grid integration. Albania, with its coastal access, could focus on deployment, site management and generation capacity.
Such a partnership would be a mutual benefit and a win–win scenario, strengthening both countries’ energy security while supporting their EU integration and climate commitments. Together, they could attract EU and private investment, create green jobs, and build a resilient, interconnected energy future in line with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
The role of private sector Leaders: LAUTEC Group
An encouraging example of international collaboration in this direction is the Danish company LAUTEC Group, which is already operating in the North Macedonian market. LAUTEC is globally recognized for its expertise in offshore wind development, project management, digital tools, and strategic consulting supporting large-scale renewable energy projects across Europe, North America and Asia.
The company’s expansion into North Macedonia demonstrates confidence in the country’s potential to become part of the global renewable energy value chain. By bringing Danish know-how and international best practices, LAUTEC contributes not only to the modernization of the Macedonian energy sector but also to knowledge transfer, capacity building and regional competitiveness.
ISD recognizes LAUTEC Group as a model example of how international expertise and local engagement can accelerate the green transition. Its presence bridges the gap between vision and implementation, showing how partnerships between local institutions and global innovators can transform ambitious ideas into real projects that deliver measurable impact.
For the Western Balkans, and especially for North Macedonia and Albania, collaboration in this field is not only a technical opportunity but a strategic and economic necessity. With partners like LAUTEC Group already active in the market, the region has the expertise, momentum, and motivation to position itself as a rising hub for renewable innovation.
The Institute for Sustainable Development (ISD) reaffirms its commitment to supporting such initiatives and to promoting policies that connect regional strengths with global expertise paving the way toward a sustainable, interconnected and low-carbon future.
“This opinion is the copyrighted position of the Institute for Sustainable Development (ISD) and reflects the independent views of the NGO. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representing any political party, government, state agency, or directorate.”
