Can Kosovo transform its energy system to a lower carbon paradigm?

In this regard, the Republic of Kosovo stands at a crossroads: as a small, landlocked country in the heart of South East Europe, it has tremendous potential to transform its energy system toward a lower carbon paradigm.

How can Kosovo improve its solar and wind power system?

As Kosovo increases the share of solar and wind, it will need to put far greater emphasis on power system integration and on other aspects such as real-time weather forecasting in order to better govern the transition while maintaining reliability.

Can pumped hydro storage be used in Kosovo?

In Kosovo’s case, the use of pumped hydro storage could potentially be feasible, but given the range of flexibility options available, it should not be considered necessary to achieving Kosovo’s overall energy transition objectives.

Will electricity demand increase in Kosovo?

Note however that most analyses of Kosovo’s future electricity demand are based on recent historical patterns of electricity demand growth and largely ignore the role of electric mobility as well as the potential of heat pumps and other forms of electric heating to increase demand in the coming decades. World Bank, (2018).

Is battery storage the lowest cost option in Kosovo?

As such, batteries can be an important complement to a power system dominated by variable renewables; however, as the graph above shows, battery storage may not necessarily be the lowest cost option in Kosovo's context, particularly if greater access to supply from neighboring jurisdictions can be secured through expanded grid interconnection.

How can development finance support solar PV projects in Kosovo?

Many of the solar PV projects currently being developed in Kosovo have benefitted from support from development finance institutions such as the EBRD or the IFC. Indeed, the role of DFIs has arguably been instrumental in helping catalyse investment, and in building other lenders’ confidence in providing loans to the sector.