Kosovo* plans to launch auction for 100 MW of solar

Kosovo* plans to organize an auction for 100 MW of solar capacity, divided into three lots in order to attract not only foreign but also domestic investors.

The Ministry of Economy and the Energy Regulatory Office (ERO) intend to propose auctions for 100 MW to the government, which will have a final say, according to representatives of the ministry and the ERO, Kosovo.Energy reported.

Of note, Minister of Economy Artane Rizvanolli said that a pilot auction for solar power would be launched by the end of 2022. The ministry also said that auctioning for the first lot could take place by the end of year.

Qorraj: the government will have a final say on the auctions

The first lot envisages awarding 15 MW for five projects, with a capacity of 3 MW each. The intention is to get five investors. In the second lot, only one investor will be chosen, for a capacity of 15 MW, and the same will apply to 35 MW in the third lot.

Besiana Qorraj, senior officer for renewable energy sources at the Ministry of Economy, said that the quota of 100 MW will be a proposal, and that the government is going to decide whether to go for 100 MW or 50 MW.

The auctions are divided in smaller portions because the intention is to encourage local investors, not only those from abroad, she said.

Ajvazi: the lowest price wins

According to Afrim Ajvazi, head of the legal and licensing department at the ERO, the premiums would be awarded to companies which offer the lowest price.

The auctions will be managed by the Ministry of Economy, the ERO, and transmission systems operator KOSTT.

The announcement of the auctions comes at a time when there are at least two projects in the pipeline. Prishtina’s municipal district heating utility Termokos is preparing a 70 MW project, and power company KEK is developing a facility with a capacity of 100 MW.

Kosovo* has recently announced that it plans to connect 1.4 GW in new renewable energy capacity by 2031.