Growing economies like Kosovo depend on a continuous, affordable source of energy for economic growth and to increase employment opportunities, in particular for underserved segments of society, such as women, young adults, rural populations, and minority groups. The Government of Kosovo (GoK) plans to expand Kosovo’s generation capacity and increase the use of renewable energy in accordance with obligations under the Energy Community Treaty. USAID’s REPOWER - KOSOVO project is supporting the GoK’s continued efforts to modernize the country’s electricity sector and open the door to new clean energy projects that will improve Kosovo’s ability to provide a cleaner, more consistent, more reliable, and affordable energy supply. The project strives to deliver innovative technical assistance and capacity-building solutions by applying tested approaches and leveraging existing networks.

REPOWER-KOSOVO is taking a four-pronged approach:

• Technical assistance involving assessments and expert analysis to address priority challenges and possible reform pathways and technical solutions
• Consultation with government partners and all relevant stakeholders to build consensus and validate solutions
• Facilitating technical exchanges and information sharing between Kosovar and regional or U.S. counterparts through partnerships
• Capacity strengthening through classroom training, train-the-trainer programs, and other on-the-job practitioner-led training

Results to Date:

• Supported development and adoption of revised 10-year country energy strategy. 
• Primary legislation compliant with the EU 3rd Energy Package enacted.
• Market liberalization supported to allow deregulation of prices for generation and supply business including the necessary balancing mechanism and relevant protection measures for households and small commercial customers.
• Renewable energy sector legislative package adopted including establishment of renewable energy fund and self-consumption mechanisms as well as model power purchase agreements.
• Application submitted to regulator for TSO certification.
• Market study to demonstrate benefits and gains from Kos-Alb common electricity market.
• Agreement and action plan for Kosovo’s participation in the Albanian Power Exchange as a first step in establishing a common electricity market between Kosovo and Albania.
• Financing options and market study for rehabilitation of Kosovo B power plant.
• Options for separation (unbundling) of generation from mining in KEK, the public utility.
• Establishment of regular rounds of the internship program with Kosovo energy sector institutions for University of Pristina and Rochester Institute of Technology students.

Project Duration:              Oct 2014 - Sept 2019

Contact:                            Arben Nagavci

Partner:                            AECOM International Development