London, 24 November 2009 – Deputy-Minister of Energy and Mines, Dr. Tech. Blerim Rexha attended an Investment Forum in Great Britain. At this occasion, Deputy-Minister Rexha emphasized that the Government of Republic of Kosovo considers private investments in the energy field as necessary to the development and revival of this sector, underlining that this lays the grounds for secure, qualitative and economically feasible energy services for all Kosovo’s citizens. “Kosovo’s sustainable and prompt economic and social development in the mid-term and long-term period require support from a developed and modern energy sector, which is based on utilization of domestic conventional and renewable energy resources, which are vastly available in Kosovo”, said the Deputy-Minister of Energy, Dr.Tech. Blerim Rexha.

He further noted that the development of the energy sector can not be achieved without considerable private investments, adding that the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM) is in advanced preparation stages for attracting private investments, concretely in the development of the New Kosova Thermal Power Plant, in electricity distribution and supply, in the development of Hydro Power Plant Zhur with installed capacities of approximately 300 MW, as well as in the development of a considerable number of small hydro power plants, installation of wind generators and utilization of solar energy.

Rexha further added that MEM is preparing the infrastructure necessary for increasing energy exchange capacities with other countries of the region. “We will soon start the development of a 400kV interconnection line with Albania and foresee a second such line with Macedonia. On the other hand, significant capital investments are also planned for the domestic electricity transmission and distribution systems”, Rexha said. He noted that Kosovo is expresses interest in being included in the regional gas pipeline, “The Assembly of Kosovo has adopted a modern law on the gas sector. We assume that the gas systems in Kosovo may only be developed through private investments”, said Rexha.

Rexha also transmitted to the present attendees that the energy sector represents a challenge to the Government of Republic of Kosovo and that the latter remains seriously engaged in the full restructuring of the electricity sector, thus enabling the creation of an open and competitive energy market and fulfillment of the legal and regulatory framework, in compliance with Energy Community and EU Acquis requirements, which will facilitate and attract capital investments, mainly private, deemed necessary for the energy sector.