Photo: Ministry of Economy
The Ministry of Economy of Kosovo* opened the applications that it received from companies and consortiums seeking to qualify for its first solar power auction. The ones that meet the conditions will be able to participate in electronic bidding.
The process of selecting the developer and operator of a planned photovoltaic plant in Rahovec-Orahovac is fully transparent and can be an example for the entire region, Minister of Economy of Kosovo* Artane Rizvanolli said. The qualification documentation from six consortia and companies was publicly opened.
The call was issued in May and the deadline was pushed back several times. The authorities are offering a 15-year contract for difference (CfD) and a 30-year lease.
Applications received from foreign investors already active in domestic market
The Ministry of Economy said two Turkish consortia applied to participate – Çalik and Limak, and Güri̇ş İnşaat ve Mühendislik (Güri̇ş Construction and Engineering) – and one led by Swiss construction group Orllati.
The rest are standalone companies: Notus Energy, Akuo Energy and Egypt-based Elswedy Electric.
The project is for between 90 MW and 105 MW in total connection capacity and up to 117 MW in peak terms. The site is on state land in the cadastral municipalities of Kramovik and Petković.
Çalik Holding and Limak Holding own Kosovo’s electricity distribution system operator (DSO) KEDS. Notus Energy from Germany participated in wind farm project Bajgora or Selac.
Güri̇ş Holding owns Kitka, the only other wind power plant in Kosovo*, and is developing other projects. The Turkish conglomerate was one of the winners in neighboring Albania last year at the country’s first wind power auction.
Akuo Energy keeps expanding presence in Southeastern Europe
French company Akuo Energy has been expanding its presence over the past several years throughout the Balkans. In Kosovo* it developed a project for a 100 MW wind farm called Çiçavica, but it’s been long dormant.
The companies and consortia that meet the requirements will be eligible for participation in an e-auction, the ministry said.
Rizvanolli noted that the government plans to auction 950 MW more in renewable energy capacity. She estimated the potential investments at EUR 1.2 billion. First up is a public call planned to be issued this year for 150 MW of wind power, the minister added.
* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/99 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.
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