Two contractors have submitted offers to MCA Kosovo for the design and construction of battery energy storage systems (BESS) and transmission connection infrastructure. The MCC-Kosovo Compact project, funded by Millennium Challenge Corp., is for two facilities totaling 340 MWh.
After several years of preparation and a canceled tender for contractors, Millennium Challenge Corp. (MCC), a development agency of the United States, seems to be getting its plan for 170 MW of battery power in Kosovo* off the ground. Millennium Challenge Account Kosovo (MCA Kosovo) is the entity implementing the Kosovo Compact Program with the Government of Kosovo. It also involves the development of the workforce and involvement of women in the energy sector.
The program is worth USD 236.7 million. The US participates with USD 202 million, and the government in Prishtina is providing the rest.
MCA Kosovo said it received two bids for the design and construction of battery energy storage systems and transmission connection infrastructure. The facilities will help enhance the flexibility and resilience of the power system, provide operating reserves, balance the grid, and support the improved integration of new energy sources, according to the update.
The two BESS facilities of 170 MW in combined operating power would provide ancillary services to the grid
Next step is the procurement process including evaluation, and construction is planned to begin next year, the statement reads.
One location is near the village of Sojeva (Sojevo) village and Camp Bondsteel. Led by the US Army, it is the seat of the Kosovo Force (KFOR). The BESS, in the municipality of Ferizaj, or Uroševac in Serbian language, would have 45 MW in operating power and 90 MWh of capacity.
According to earlier information, it would provide automatic frequency restoration reserve (aFRR) services – secondary reserve. A public hearing was recently held in Ferizaj about the environmental impact assessment (EIA) report.
The remaining 125 MW and 250 MWh is for a site in Istog (Istok). The future BESS is apparently intended for tertiary reserves, also known as manual frequency restoration reserve (mFRR).
In addition, the government recently approved the charter of Energy Storage Corp (ESCorp), which would operate the larger BESS.
