Prishtina, 18.12.2024 – The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, the Minister of Economy, Artane Rizvanolli, and the project partners launched today the First 100 MW Wind Auction. According to them, the launch of the auction represents an exceptionally important step in securing energy from renewable sources.

Prime Minister Kurti stated that Kosovo is fortunate to have great natural potential for renewable energy.

“By 2031, we are committed to reach capacities of 1,600 MW from renewable energy sources – clean and through competitive procedures that translate into better prices for our citizens. The solar auction has been implemented following this commitment and has demonstrated the great benefits of such schemes: with healthy competition, the purchase price of energy has decreased by 35% compared to the ceiling price, and all this benefit goes directly to both our citizens and our businesses”, he said.

Diversifying and multiplying energy sources through renewable energy, according to the Prime Minister, is also a necessity to protect Kosovo’s energy independence.

Meanwhile, Minister Rizvanolli said that this project is important for wind energy generation due to the market’s needs for energy.

“It is extremely important that our demand for energy, especially during evening hours and particularly during the cold months aligns very well with the generation profile of wind energy, therefore this type of project is important for generation and for our economy”, she said.

According to her, Kosovo has extraordinary potential for wind energy, noting the wind speeds achieved in lowland and mountainous areas.

“Kosovo is fortunate to be a country that has extraordinary potential for wind energy. Around 17% of the territory of the Republic of Kosovo has stable winds with speeds above 6 m/s, while in mountainous areas this speed reaches up to 8 m/s, thus creating optimal conditions for developing wind capacities above the average of many European countries”, the Minister added, among other things.

After launching the pre-qualification phase for the First Wind Auction, the financial bidding phase will follow.

In her speech, Minister Rizvanolli said that qualified and motivated companies will participate in the competition for investment.

“We commit to manage this competition fairly and transparently as we did with the first Auction, so that we ensure that whichever company or consortium is ultimately selected to build the Wind Park, the biggest winner in the end is the citizen of the Republic of Kosovo, with affordable prices, clean and secure energy”, she said.

The launch of this Auction was welcomed by the Deputy German Ambassador to Kosovo, Mathias Conard. He said they stand with Kosovo in implementing this project.

Meanwhile, the USAID Kosovo Mission Director, Eileen Devit, said that this Auction is a good example showing that Kosovo is taking direct action to secure energy from renewable sources.

The Regional Director for the Western Balkans at IFC, Nicolas Marquier, said that the launching this Auction represents not only progress in the energy sector but also an important step towards a more sustainable, greener future for Kosovo and Europe.

Regarding the implementation of this project, Minister Rizvanolli thanked IFC (International Finance Corporation), supported by the German Government, and extended special appreciation to the United States Agency for International Development – USAID Kosovo and the Government of the United States of America for their substantial and ongoing support for the energy sector and Kosovo.