Prishtina, 07.02.2022 – Today was inaugurated the completion of the fifth package of the Kosovo Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Project by the Government of Kosovo in cooperation with the World Bank. The “1 Tetori” Sport Hall in Prishtina was selected to mark completion of implementation of EE measures in 29 public buildings covered by the package.

Minister Rizvanolli stated: Energy efficiency constitutes a priority for the Ministry of Economy (ME) that will be reflected in the National Energy Strategy 2022-2031 and the ME remains committed to continue supporting projects deemed to have multiple positive effects, thus contributing to the country by generating jobs, economic development and a more cleaner environment”.  

In the light of this project, EE measures have been implemented in 87 public buildings so far, whereas during 2021 was finalized a contract in the amount of €4.2 million, whereby 29 public/government buildings have been renovated.

Subsequently, in April this year will commence the renovation of an additional 15 buildings, under a contract that will amount to EUR 2.4 million.

The Director of World Bank (WB), Massimiliano Paolucci stated: “We are here to work with you and the country in general, in order to advance the energy efficiency agenda. This is not only a matter of infrastructure, but a matter of energy security, proper management of Government resources and the wellbeing of the people. For that reason, we appreciate the opportunity to work with the authorities in this special project and expect to continue with implementation of the project and start thinking how to expand this approach not only to public buildings, but to private buildings as well”.

Such investments become even more important at a time when we are facing an energy crisis where every kW/h saved is valuable in saving the budget of the consumer and that of the state.

The Director of Student Centre (SC), Fatmir Sfishta, thanked representatives of the Ministry of Economy and World Bank for implementing this project and for this investment of utmost importance to all students, and athletes in particular.

“Two years ago it would have been impossible to hold such a gathering in this sports hall due to the low temperatures prevailing in this period of time. However, thanks to the investments made in this hall, dormitories and students cafeteria, we now have created much more comfortable and favourable conditions for students’ accommodation and other activities” stated the Director of SC.

He further added that as a result of this investment in the Students Centres, a lot more electricity and heating energy is being saved, and this can be best noticed in the monthly bills that we are paying.

The leader of the ME expressed her gratitude to the World Bank for its cooperation in implementation of the project, to the Project Implementation Unit for the excellent work in achieving the project objectives, and to all other parties that contributed to the implementation of the project.