Prishtina, 11.06.2024 – Minister of Economy, Artane Rizvanolli, participated in the Western Balkans Summit 2024 organized by The Economist, held in Prishtina.

The Summit was attended by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, former Prime Minister of Italy, Matteo Renzi, former NATO Secretary General, Lord George Robertson, the US Ambassador to Kosovo, Jeffery M. Honenier, the EU Ambassador to Kosovo, Tomas Szunyog, ministers from the Government of Kosovo, economic experts, businessmen, and other guests from European and regional countries.

Minister Rizvanolli spoke on the panel “Advancing Sustainability: Infrastructure, Energy Solutions, and Financing Opportunities”, expressing her pleasure to be present, recalling that two years ago, in the same venue at the Western Balkans Summit 2022, they discussed the urgent need to overcome the energy crisis that had severely impacted energy sectors across Europe. She emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and strategic planning to ensure energy security and stability while protecting citizens by providing a safe environment for private investments.

Minister Rizvanolli highlighted that last year marked the commencement of the first 100 MW Solar Photovoltaic (PV) auction, which featured simplified administrative procedures and attractive conditions, including a 15-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) and a 30-year land lease agreement. This was made possible through good governance and fair and transparent competition, benefiting the citizens.

Finally, Minister Rizvanolli outlined some of the Ministry’s priorities for the next two years, which include the operationalization of the first 100 MW Solar auction, whose agreements were signed a few weeks ago. This will be followed by the development of a 150 MW Wind auction, which will advance renewable energy objectives through a public-private partnership (PPP). Additionally, the finalization of the battery storage project is a priority, from which Kosovo will build 340 MW of energy reserves, making it the country with the largest battery capacity per capita in the world.

The Western Balkans Summit 2024, organized by the prestigious magazine The Economist, is a significant event, this time focusing on “Unleashing the Region’s Potential.”