Budakova wind farm’s developer inks supply deal with KOSTT

Transmission System and Market Operator (KOSTT) of Kosovo* has said it reached an agreement for the power that will be generated by the 15 turbines in a wind park planned to be built by Bondcom Energy Point Llc. The statement highlights the significance of diversification of electricity sources and adds the institution was represented by its head Ilir Shala. Director Enver Cacaj signed the contract on behalf of the developer of the 46-MW facility.

The transmission system operator added Budakova wind power plant would be connected to the 110-kV voltage grid. The site is located on the territories of Suva Reka or Theranda, Štrpce, also written as Shtërpcë, and Uroševac (Ferizaj). The first megawatt-hours are scheduled to start flowing within two years. KOSTT stressed its efforts are directed at meeting targets from the national ten-year energy strategy through 2026.

Budakova or Budakovo is the name of a nearby village in the south-central part of Serbia’s breakaway province. Bondcom is registered in Prizren. It has an affiliate active in Serbia proper. The government in Belgrade considers the 2008 declaration of independence from illegal.

In the beginning, the endeavor was developed by NEK of Switzerland on behalf of Upwind International. The current owner intends to build the towers at 1,000 to 1,600 meters above sea level.

Early estimates placed annual output at up to 130 GWh. The Energy Regulatory Office or ERO has issued a preliminary authorization last year for the installation of wind farm Budakova 1, designed for 11 MW.

Of note, Enlight Renewable Energy just secured half of the total required financing for its 105-MW Bajgora wind park in the municipality of Mitrovica. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development provided the backing in the form of a credit facility for what will be the biggest domestic facility of its kind.

A recently published study by the World Bank revealed the most affordable strategy for decision makers in Prishtina would be to phase out coal-fueled power production and lean on smaller facilities and renewable energy and efficiency, instead of building another thermal power plant to burn lignite.