Albanian companies working in the Medicinal & Aromatic Plants (MAPs) sector have been impacted by the on-going energy crises, particularly through cost increases in inputs, fuel and transport. As a result of these challenges businesses have been exploring alternative energy sources.

Wastes or residues from the MAPs production cycle can be as much as 30% of the total processed biomass. Most of this residual biomass, an estimated 5,000 tons annually across the whole sector, is currently discarded as waste or product of very low value.

CNVP, with support of Embassy of Sweden in Tirana, is working with two companies in northern Albania to create value from this residual biomass by using it to generate energy. Both companies are exploring the feasibility of transforming residues from the distillation of essential oils from sage stalks and other MAP-s into solid fuel in the form of pellets. Residues not suitable for pellet production are used to produce compost, effectively eliminating waste. Pellets produced from these residues have the potential to cover the annual energy needs of both companies.

CNVP will continue collaboration with exporting companies of MAP-s in Albania to find the right technologies for renewable energy production and composting of residual biomass to generate further economic gains.