Kosovo* to launch renewable energy auctions, submit NECP next year

Kosovo* is preparing to start the first in a series of renewable energy auctions, in cooperation with the EBRD, and its National Energy and Climate Plan is almost finished. The government is also working on an energy strategy and climate change law.

The introduction of renewable energy auctions in Kosovo* will stimulate green investments and help decrease air pollution, Deputy Minister of Economy and Environment Burbuqe Deva said. She revealed the first call should be published next year.

The model developed together with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development will make prices of energy from renewable sources more affordable, the official stressed. She spoke on Kanal10 TV at the wrapup of the third Sustainable Development Week in Kosovo – KSDW 2020 alongside the representatives of other entities that organized the campaign.

Auctions bring open competition, affordable power prices

Wind and solar power will have priority in the auctions, Deva underscored. Open competition will replace the concept of first come, first served, she said. Turning to the new energy strategy, the deputy minister claimed it would be completed in the second quarter.

“The EBRD has engaged a consultant to provide support to the Kosovo authorities in designing and implementing competitive bidding processes for renewable energy. The assistance is currently in the design phase, where key elements such as technology, capacity and timeline are under review and discussion,” the bank’s Associate Director and Regional Head of Energy for Croatia and the Western Balkans Francesco Corbo told Balkan Green Energy News.

NECP to fully comply with EU rules

Kosovo’s National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) will be submitted to the government in the first half of 2021, Kosovo.Energy reported after the TV debate, which also focused on waste and water management and circular economy.

Director of the Department of Environmental and Water Protection Muhamet Malsiu said on the same occasion that the document is “nearing completion.” In his words, NECP will cover greenhouse gases, renewables, energy efficiency, energy security, the internal energy market and research, innovation and competition.

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) from Germany is supporting the production of the plan. The work started in 2018. Malsiu added the NECP would be fully in line with the European Union’s requirements and revealed the government is also writing a climate change bill.

North Macedonia is the only country in the Western Balkans that has submitted a draft NECP. The country introduced renewable energy auctions and Albania issued a public call last month for its third auction.