Kosovo to develop cumulative renewable energy capacity of 1.6 GW by 2031, including 1.32 GW of new capacity comprising 600 MW each of solar PV and wind under its newly adopted Energy Strategy 2022-2031 as the country seeks to phase out coal by 2050.
Apart from solar PV and wind, new renewable energy capacity will come as 20 MW biomass and at least 100 MW prosumer capacity. The 1.6 GW target includes 279 MW Kosovo has already installed in the country, including 10 MW solar PV. By 2025, renewable energy capacity is targeted to increase to 490 MW.
Hydro power has been ruled out of the roadmap citing 'environmental aspects', however the country will refurbish 3 lignite power plants to ensure 540 MW baseload and 360 MW strategic reserve capacity by 2030.
Large scale renewable energy capacity will be sought based on their technical and economic potential.
Calling renewable energy sources tangible domestic resources, with less price volatility and decreasing investment costs, Kosovo said investments in thee will begin immediately. "This Strategy envisages a dynamic increase of renewable energy sources, mainly in wind and photovoltaic technologies supported by renewable auctions, public investment and active participation of prosumers in this process," reads the strategy document.
The government aims to have at least 35% of its electricity consumption to be covered by renewable energy by 2031, up from 6.3% at present which is majorly thanks to biomass-based sources used in heating. It wants to reduce GHG emissions in the power sector by a minimum of 32%. By the target year, 150 buildings need to become near zero energy structures.
To involve more citizens in the development of renewable energy, Kosovo will introduce at least 2 new energy-related schemes for vulnerable consumers (e.g. energy efficiency, heating solutions, solar panels, etc.) by 2024, and develop 4 new schemes by 2031. It will also introduce more than 2 programs supporting community projects in energy efficiency and self-consumption by 2024, and more than 5 by 2031 under the strategy.
Currently, Kosovo's electricity system is dependent on aging lignite-based systems that are not only not reliable but also a major source of GHG emissions. The post-pandemic energy crisis of 2021 exacerbated with the Russian war in Ukraine pushed up electricity and gas prices in Kosovo as in all of Europe.
"This energy crisis proved that Kosovo's energy system needs to undergo a profound transformation to become more resilient, independent and flexible," stated the government. "Moreover, considering that renewable technologies have reached market parity with traditional energy sources, their utilization will lead to lower energy costs over the long term."
Kosovo's energy strategy is based on the vision: A sustainable energy sector integrated into the Pan-European market, ensuring energy security and affordability for citizens.
Kosovo's Energy Strategy, approved by the country's assembly, is available for free download on the Ministry of Economy's website.