Kosovo government approves a renewable-focused energy strategy

The Kosovo government has approved the draft Energy Strategy 2022-2031 in order to make the energy sector a tool for economic growth and increase employment opportunities.

 

Based on the results of previous projects, the new strategy does not propose building any additional hydropower plants, said Economy Minister Artane Rizvanolli, adding that the energy sector is quite complex and faces many challenges, with the war in Ukraine only making matters worse.

“The Energy Strategy 2022-2031 establishes the long-term orientations of the development of the energy sector, lays the foundations for a new, cleaner energy sector with efficiencies and a sector where citizens are more involved, be active participants, whether through self-consumption, either through better information and being able to make the right decisions for saving energy,” she added.

Kosovo Renewable Energy

The new focus on renewables will not lean on hydropower, a popular but controversial type of energy generation in the region.

However, the new emphasis on renewables won’t rely on hydropower, a popular but controversial energy source.

“Taking into account the limited water resources we have as a state and the environmental damage that has been done with existing projects, the Strategy currently does not foresee new hydropower plants, but we do not exclude the possibility that after the Ministry of Environment has made a development plan for the water sector, if it is possible to build water capacities, this will be examined, but only at a moment when we are sure that this is in accordance with the environmental objectives”, said Rizvanolli.

Prime Minister Albin Kurti has emphasized that the Strategy aims to create a sustainable energy sector integrated into the pan-European market, which guarantees energy security and affordability.

“Today, we have one of the most important documents this year, the Energy Strategy 2022-2023. Ensuring a reliable supply of affordable and clean electricity is essential for the economic development and social well-being of Kosovo,” he said.

“This strategy envisages rapid and convincing developments in the energy sector. The strategy aims to develop a sustainable energy sector, integrated into the pan-European market that guarantees the security of energy supply and affordability for citizens”, he added.

A total of 1,600 MGW of renewable energy capacity will be installed by 2031, according to the strategy. However, the government also acknowledged that it is necessary to invest in coal capacity to increase supply security in the short term, as well as an investment in a natural gas power plant in Albania.

 

Source: Euractiv

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