What is Kosovo's solar energy project?

The project is the largest solar energy investment in the district heating sector in the region and one of the largest solar power plants in Europe. As such, the project marks an historic moment on Kosovo's path towards a decarbonised energy system in line with the Paris Climate Agreement.

Will Kosovo become the first economy to use solar power?

Kosovo will become the first economy in the Western Balkans region to use solar power to heat homes. The Ministry of Finance, Labour and Transfers signed a financing agreement on the Solar4Kosovo district heating project on behalf of Kosovo in Pristina today.

Where will a solar plant be built in Kosovo?

The solar plant is planned to be built in southwestern Kosovo and to come online next year. The CEO of KOSTT, Mustafa Hasani, left, and the director of Solar Energy Group Europe sh p k, Egbert Schnuse. Image: KOSTT

How much solar power does Kosovo have?

Kosovo had just 7 MW of installed PV capacity at the end of 2019, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency. The country recently raised its renewable energy target to an additional 400 MW of capacity by 2026. That would be enough to meet a quarter of its power demand and would reduce dependence on aging coal-fired power plants.

How will the EU support the energy transition in Kosovo?

The EU will support the energy transition and sustainable development of Kosovo through another 100-megawatt solar electricity project with the Kosovo Energy Cooperation.” The EU’s contribution to solar heating and electricity projects in Kosovo will total almost €56 million.

Will Kosovo's first large scale solar park be built?

No further details were revealed on the project. When built, the plant will be Kosovo's first large scale solar park. The Kosovar government has made several attempts to support small sized and utility scale solar in the past. These efforts, however, have produced little results to date.