Prishtina, 10.03.2015 – The Minister of Economic Development, Blerand Stavileci, and his Albanian counterpart, Minister of Energy and Industry of Albania, Damian Gjiknuri, accompanied by heads of transmission system operators and energy regulators of both countries, visited SS 400/220 – Kosovo B in Obiliq, to be closely informed on the works implemented for the interconnection line between Kosovo and Albania.

Stavileci stated works on the construction of the 400 kV line Kosovo-Albania proceeded well, where one third of the project has been completed, and expectations are higher that by the end of this year the section of Kosovo will be completed, and by spring next hyear so will the section in Albania.

“This is the energy highway between Kosovo and Albania, given the importance and multiple benefits for both Kosovo and Albania. However, we will go even beyond that, including a new 110 line Dragash-Kukës. And we have also agreed to incorporate in our development concepts ideas related to the construction of new capacities that complement the energy market between Kosovo and Albania”, said Stavileci.

On the other hand, the Minister of Energy and Industry of Albania, Damian Gjiknuri, said that the completion of this line creates the necessary route and the backbone for the development of the system, harmonized with common policies, common strategies and common investments, as both countries have common challenges in relation to energy.

“Albania and Kosovo have significant needs, therefore it is necessary to coordinate and harmonize them and this visit is not only symbolic, it is concrete, is to tell people that things are progressing”, said Gjiknuri.

The visit in SS 400/220 kV Kosovo B was conducted after the establishment of the Steering Committee and meetings of working groups on the creation of the common energy market between the two countries, which was held today at the premises of MED.