Prishtina, January 10, 2025
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, and the Minister of Economy, Artane Rizvanolli, today participated in the launch ceremony of the Prequalification for the Energy Storage Project through Batteries, which will be located in the cities of Ferizaj and Istog.
In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Kurti stated that beyond the innovation they bring, the battery projects will have a direct and immediate impact, including stabilizing the country’s electricity system and reducing the cost of energy imports, increasing the security and reliability of energy supply for households and businesses, as well as paving the way for further integration of energy from renewable sources such as wind, water and solar.
“125 MW of this system will operate under the Energy Conservation Corporation and another 45 MW under KOSTT which will be used for grid balancing – both of these public enterprises, both at the service of the country and its citizens”, he said.
He further highlighted the importance of the U.S. Catalyst Facility for Development within the Compact Program, which paves the way for financing projects that embrace the green economy and innovation. The Compact Program, which is funded with $202 million from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and $34.7 million from the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, represents a major investment in our energy independence and long-term sustainability.
“This is an important moment for our businesses and entrepreneurs, a call to all those who want to be part of building a sustainable and strong future for Kosovo”, said Prime Minister Kurti.
He also expressed his gratitude to the United States of America for their support and trust in the Government’s vision for a sustainable and competitive energy sector.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Economy, Artane Rizvanolli, said that “Our path towards the country’s energy transition is clear. Diversification of clean energy sources and increased capacities for energy storage and supply, along with decentralization of the grid and capacities in managing renewable energy sources in the grid, will be enabled through the Compact program and the Battery system. Secure energy supply, more appropriate costs along with reducing the impact on the environment, are also the goal of the National Energy Strategy and a continuous action of our government’s policies.”
Full speech of Prime Minister Kurti:
The Honorable Ms. Artane Rizvanolli, Minister of Economy,
The Honorable Mr. Liburn Aliu, Minister of Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure,
The Honorable Chief Executive Officer of MCA – Kosovo, Ms. Florina Duli – Sefaj, and the MCA staff,
The Honorable MCC Program Director, Mr. Rinor Gjonbalaj,
Honorable Members of the Assembly, Deputy Ministers of the Government,
Honorable Leaders and Representatives of Kosovo Institutions and International Partners,
Honorable Representatives of Civil Society and the Media,
Honorable Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a pleasure to start the year with such success for our energy sector, especially since the year behind us has marked a series of successes – from improving energy infrastructure, launching energy efficiency schemes, and international cooperation, to investments in renewable sources, improving energy supply, and technological modernization.
For decades, Kosovo has faced difficulties in the energy sector. We have not only needed investments, but also a vision that brings sustainable changes, that is, results that cannot be reversed. And if for years we have seen energy as a challenge, now we see it as an opportunity.
That is why we have set ourselves ambitious goals, serious objectives and a vision that is both solid and far-sighted. To make it happen, we are building new, clean capacities that diversify the mix and increase domestic production. Last year we successfully concluded our first solar auction with a capacity of 100 megawatts and in the same year we launched the first auction for wind energy, also for a capacity of 100 megawatts.
But we are clear that building new capacities is not enough. While many developed countries are facing grid flexibility difficulties due to renewable capacities that further burden it, we are ensuring that we build the right infrastructure to support our new capacities. This puts us in step with the latest developments in the sector at a global level, and far ahead of our region.
Today we are here to mark a necessary and appropriate step in the development of Kosovo’s energy sector, as we officially open the pre-qualification process for the construction of battery energy storage systems, which we will deploy in Ferizaj and Istog.
125 MW of this system will operate under the Energy Storage Corporation and another 45 MW under KOSTT, which will be used for grid balancing – both public enterprises, both at the service of the country and its citizens.
Beyond the innovation they bring, the battery projects will have an immediate and direct impact. First, they will stabilize the country’s electricity system and reduce the cost of energy imports. Second, they will increase the security and reliability of energy supply for both our households and businesses. And third, they will pave the way for further integration of renewable energy sources such as wind, water, and solar.
As we join with many representatives of the private sector today, I want to emphasize the importance of a key component of the Compact Program – the U.S. Catalyst Facility for Development. And through the U.S. Development Fund (DFC), this facility paves the way for financing projects that embrace the green economy and innovation. This is an important moment for our businesses and entrepreneurs, a call to all those who want to be part of building a strong, sustainable, and bright future for our country.
The Compact Program, funded with $202 million from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and $34.7 million from the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, represents a major investment in our energy independence and long-term sustainability. This is not just a technical project, it is a transformation that aims to give Kosovo greater energy security and a more competitive economy.
I would like to express my gratitude to the United States of America for their support and for their belief in our vision for a sustainable and competitive energy sector.
A special thank you to the MCA-Kosovo team, to whom I wish success in implementing these vital projects for the future of Kosovo. For this, you have and will have the full support of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo.
Thank you.
Last modified: January 10, 2025