Prishtina, 22.11.2023 – The Call for subsidy of efficient heating equipment to support micro, small, and medium enterprises, an investment made possible through the support of the European Union (EU) under the Emergency Package on Energy, has been announced.

The measures were presented by the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, the Minister of Economy, Artane Rizvanolli, the Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship, and Trade, Rozeta Hajdari, and Alessandro Bianciardi from the EU Office in Kosovo.

Speaking about the announcement of energy efficiency measures, Prime Minister Albin Kurti highlighted that this year, for the first time, a record figure of 35 million euros is being invested in energy efficiency programs for the residential and business sectors, the largest sum ever invested in Kosovo.

“Energy efficiency is one of the cost-effective measures that we, as a state, can undertake at this time, therefore, we continue to support Kosovo businesses to make more sustainable and long-term investments”, Prime Minister Kurti stated.

Prime Minister Kurti added that by investing in efficient equipment, businesses will significantly save on their electricity bills, directly impacting not only their budgets but also the state budget.

Minister of Economy, Artane Rizvanolli, stated that the subsidy measure for enterprises, which is open from today, includes subsidizing efficient heating equipment. Besides reducing energy consumption, this measure increases comfort during the winter season and decreases energy bills for enterprises.

“The importance of energy efficiency in micro, small, and medium enterprises is critical, especially considering their contribution to our economy. Therefore, enhancing energy efficiency in this sector, beyond contributing to reducing energy consumption and increasing energy security, plays a strategic role in further economic development”, said Rizvanolli, among other things.

Minister Rizvanolli also added that the benefits of investing in energy efficiency translate directly into cost savings for businesses, as studies show that businesses lose around 30% of the energy they consume. Therefore, by investing in energy efficiency, businesses can reduce almost one-third of their costs, thus increasing competitiveness and sustainability.

Meanwhile, Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship, and Trade, Rozeta Hajdari, urged businesses to apply for this Call to reduce their expenses.

“We have designed a Business Support Strategy which aims to address issues that are in the interest of this sector. We see that the private sector has untapped potential, and we aim to transform the manufacturing industry into a green industry”, she declared.

Alessandro Bianciardi from the EU Office in Kosovo highlighted that the European Union is financing the energy sector, and this aid will also continue next year with additional subsidies under the Energy Support Package.

Bianciardi also added that they expect these measures to be successful and help Kosovo in its energy transition.

Applications for enterprises are open for efficient heating equipment:

Heat pumps shall be subsidized 20% of the investment value, and up to 2.000€.

Efficient air condition shall be subsidized 20% of the investment value, and up to 1.000 €.

Biomass boiler (wood, pellet, briquette) shall be subsidized 40% of the investment value, and up to 2.000€.

Individual biomass stoves shall be subsidized 40% of the investment value, and up to 500 €.

While enterprises owned or co-owned by women from 51% and above, shall be subsidized 25% of the investment value.

The Call for the first phase will be open until 12 December 2023.

Application for subsidy of the measures is made online via the e-Kosova platform: https://rks-gov.net/476

Complete information can be found on the official website of the Ministry of Economy at the following link: https://me.rks-gov.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Thirrja-per-Pajisje-ngrohese-eficiente.pdf