Prishtina, 25 May, 2023
As an important step was taken today in achieving the objectives defined in the National Energy Strategy, the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, together with the American Ambassador to Kosovo, Jeffrey Hovenier and the Minister of Economy, Artane Rizvanolli, participated in the Pre-Bidding Conference for the 100 MW Solar Auction.
According to the prime minister, the first solar auction that is expected to be created in Kramovik has the potential to provide electricity for almost 20,000 families, this project which paves the way for further renewable energy projects in Kosovo.
“This reflects our commitment to a meaningful climate change agenda, the well-being of our citizens and our transition to a sustainable energy future. Furthermore, we are in the process of finalizing the Renewable Energy Law, which incorporates global best practices in the renewable energy industry and provides legal and regulatory certainty to potential investors,” the Prime Minister added.
He emphasized that the investment for the first solar auction consists of an agreement over 200 million euros with the Millennium Challenge Corporation for battery storage systems, an agreement between our Energy Corporation and General Electric for the modernization of the “Kosova B” thermal power plant, and an agreement of 160 million euros with the International Monetary Fund to build renewable energy capacities.
Further, citing the elements that make Kosovo an attractive destination for investors, such as its proximity to European markets, a skilled workforce, and a strong regulatory framework, the prime minister highlighted that our aim is to encourage private investment and create a climate favorable investment, which are key drivers for economic growth.
The Prime Minister also expressed his deep gratitude to Ambassador Hovenier and the US Government, as well as the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), for their steadfast support in helping Kosovo identify and promote its great potential of renewable energy sources.
At the same time, he was satisfied with the work of Minister Rizvanolli and her team, who were able to develop this initiative and create an open and transparent tendering process in accordance with international standards.
The Pre-Bidding Conference for the 100 MW Solar Auction was organized by the Ministry of Economy in cooperation with USAID.
The complete speech of Prime Minister Albin Kurti:
Your Excellency Jeffrey Hovenier, Ambassador of the United States of America in Kosova,
Honorable Ms Artane Rizvanolli, Minister of Economy of the Republic of Kosovo,
Honorable Mr Liburn Aliu, Minister of Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure in our Government,
Dear participants,
Distinguished guests,
I am honored to address you today as we move forward with our first ever solar auction – a milestone for Kosova.
We understand the crucial role that renewable energy plays in combating climate change and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, and we understand the importance of private sector investment to build these renewable energy capacities.
Our first renewable energy auction serves as a critical step in achieving the goals set out in our National Energy Strategy, which aims to establish energy independence and a transition to green and sustainable sources. I am extremely pleased that Minister Rizvanolli and her team have been able to develop this initiative, and to create an open and transparent bidding process in line with international standards.
The process we are utilizing will foster competition, and ensure fairness and transparency among prospective investors. This will have the added benefit of driving down costs, and will pave the way for further renewable energy projects in Kosova.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Ambassador Hovenier and the US Government, as well as the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), for their unwavering support in helping Kosova identify and promote the vast potential of renewable energy resources.
Despite challenges, we have made remarkable progress in the energy sector.
Notable projects and agreements that will drive this change are an over 200-million-euro agreement with the Millennium Challenge Corporation for battery storage systems, an agreement between our Energy Corporation and General Electric to modernize power plant “Kosova B”, and a 160-million-euro agreement with the IMF to build renewable energy capacities. Today, I am proud to say that Kosova is taking bold steps towards building a sustainable and environmentally friendly economy by harnessing the power of renewable energy. As a result, we are on the right track to an accelerated and much-needed energy transition.
The solar auction we are holding for the site in Kramovik has the potential to provide electricity for almost 20,000 households. This project represents tangible, real-life progress in our energy transition and support for renewable energy solutions. And it is just the beginning for Kosova.
As you know, our country offers excellent infrastructure and a strategically advantageous location that make it an appealing destination for potential investors. Its proximity to European markets, a vibrant and skilled workforce, and a robust regulatory framework contribute to its attractiveness as a profitable investment destination. Our goal is to encourage private investments and create a favorable investment climate, which are crucial drivers for economic growth.
In line with our ambitious National Energy Strategy, we have set targets to deploy over 1300 MW of renewable energy capacities. This reflects our commitment to a meaningful climate change agenda, the well-being of our citizens, and our transition to a sustainable energy future. Furthermore, we are in the process of finalizing the Renewable Energy Law, which incorporates the best global practices in the renewable energy industry and provides legal and regulatory certainty for potential investors.
It is our vision that we achieve environmental sustainability but also that our energy sector becomes central to promoting economic expansion, increasing employment opportunities, and facilitating business growth within Kosova.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for being a part of this significant event. Kosova will always be grateful for the unwavering support of the US Government in our pursuit of building a strong, prosperous, and democratic nation.
Thank you!
Last modified: May 26, 2023