Kosovo launches first wind energy auction, aims to increase domestic production
The official promotion ceremony of the request for proposals for the first competitive auction for wind energy up to 100 MW is held, a process that aims to increase domestic energy production, reduce import dependence and ensure more affordable prices through competition.
At this ceremony, it was said that the wind energy auction represents an important step towards strengthening Kosovo's energy security and independence, as well as towards fulfilling strategic objectives for increasing the participation of renewable sources in the country's energy system.
Acting Minister of Economy, Artane Rizvanolli, said that through this auction, local production is expected to be encouraged and more affordable energy will be provided as a result of competition between qualified companies.
She emphasized that with the publication of the request for proposals, the first auction for wind energy is advancing, a competitive process for targeted capacities of up to 100 MW with a 15-year support scheme.
“This auction will attract more domestic production, less import dependence and more affordable energy prices resulting from fair competition between companies that have now qualified… Today, with the publication of the request for proposals, we are also moving forward with the first wind auction, a competitive process for a target capacity of up to 100 MW with a 15-year support scheme. What makes this project important for Kosovo is, firstly, that wind resources help us exactly where we need them most, in the evening hours and in the cold months when energy demand increases, so the wind production profile matches well with our consumption profile as a country. Therefore, this is not only clean energy, but very useful energy for our energy security and our energy independence. Secondly, Kosovo has real potential in this area, about 17 percent of the country's territory has sustained winds above 6 meters per second and in mountainous areas the speed goes up to 8 meters per second, which are conditions "optimal for the development of wind capacity above the average of European countries," she said.
The Chargé d'Affaires at the German Embassy in Pristina, Christian Böttcher, assessed that the wind auction promoted today, together with a planned second tender, will make a significant contribution to achieving these goals and mobilizing private investments, building on the positive experience of Kosovo's first solar auction.
“Kosovo’s energy strategy sets ambitious targets for increasing the share of renewables by 2031, and wind and solar energy will play a central role in achieving these objectives. The wind auction promoted today, together with a planned second tender, will make a significant contribution to these goals and help mobilize large private investments in the country. And this builds on positive experiences. Kosovo’s first solar auction last year proved that competitive processes can deliver strong results. I now look forward to seeing both solar panels and wind turbines move from planning to construction. I must also admit that I am truly amazed by this modern technology and I love seeing it in action,” he said.
Böttcher emphasized the importance of long-term clarity of energy policies and underlined that Germany expects Kosovo's commitment to the green energy transition to remain strong and sustainable regardless of political cycles.
“Looking ahead, long-term policy clarity remains essential. Instruments such as the national energy and climate plan and the decarbonization strategy are key to providing predictability for investors and institutions alike. And with elections approaching in less than two weeks, let me underline one point very clearly. Germany expects Kosovo’s commitment to the green energy transition to remain strong and sustainable, regardless of political cycles and which party will form coalitions and lead the government. I am particularly pleased that Germany has also directly supported this wind auction, contributing US$800 to IFC for the technical design and structuring of the process. Let me conclude by wishing everyone much success with this auction,” he said.
The representative of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for Kosovo and North Macedonia, Visar Perani, said that this is a special project and that it is the first time that Kosovo has held an auction for wind energy, which he described as relatively complex, but proven in many countries around the world.
"It's something special that has happened, it's the first time we have a wind auction, a relatively complex project, but one that we have seen in many countries around the world and why not do it in Kosovo as well. The project is up to 150 MW, we have three competitors who will offer. There will be excellent offers. This project is among the largest infrastructure projects," he said.
Meanwhile, the head of the unit for the implementation of projects from Renewable Energy Sources (RE), Besiana Qorraj-Berisha, presented the project and the details of the request for proposals, explaining the main phases and elements of the competitive process.
