Beqaj: Security of supply is a regional challenge

Security of energy supply is a challenge for all countries in the region, and is one of the main pillars of the Energy Strategy of the Republic of Kosovo, said the Minister of Economic Development, Besim Beqaj.
Minister Beqaj made these comments on 26 March in the roundtable organized by the Kosovo Electricity Transmission, System and Market Operator – KOSTT, on the launching of the Study on Security of Electricity Supply in Kosovo until 2030, attended by key local, regional and international energy actors operating in Kosovo.
Minister added that the Republic of Kosovo made significant steps to this end, highly appreciated by the ECT Secretariat, as so informed in the recent visit. On that occasion, information was provided on regional approaches to energy, and the tendency to integrate sufficient markets, to allow sufficient supply.
“We are also committed to ensure that as of January 1, 2015, energy market will be open in line with the previously adopted documents, and such a study is very important as it shows the approach to this issue, in order to ensure a better and more sustainable electricity generation in the country”, said Beqaj.
He said that the study also seeks to avoid the potential energy “visas”, and also envisages high, average and low time peaks, demand in years, and is a good guideline on electricity consumption needs currently and in the future.
“Kosovo can currently generate 800-1000 MW, depending on the situation and hydropower plants in operation. Kosovo A can maximally generate 390 MW, while Kosovo B reaches 600 MW. I can say without any hesitation that in the last two years we have generated as per installed capacity, which is a very strong move, as we have a significant improvement”, said Minister Beqaj.
According to him, there is a commitment to introduce new technologies in 45 MW hydropower plants, and also construct a new 23 MW hydropower plant in Deçan, while 100 MW of energy are pre-licensed by ERO last year.
Furthermore, Minister Beqaj stated that after an extensive debate, the situation on the new 400 kV line Kosovo-Albania has been clarified, namely that an agreement has been reached between KfW and Albania, and this will be the basis of our regional energy markets.
First of MED, has pointed out that the Government is in the process of new energy projects, is working to build TC “New Kosovo” and the terms of reference have been harmonized with the World Bank, and will be conform to EU Directive on emissions and the invitation for bids is expected to be announced soon.
He said that all three prequalified consortia are in the race and have confirmed this in written and these are all world renowned companies. He also stated that privatization of distribution was done in full harmony with international standards, and this was also confirmed by IFC.
Minister Beqaj highlighted that according to plans, “Kosova A” will be decommissioned in 2017 and the Government will undertake all measures and has already created working groups working in cooperation with EU.
“Getting the best of the important EBRD membership, we have had several meetings as part of the EBRD strategy, which also includes the energy sector, and EBRD, in line with European environment standards, will be committed also in TPP “Kosova e Re”, said Beqaj, and added that this institution is also interested in renewable energy, and in the next annual conference, which will be held in Istanbul, Kosovo will be allowed to make a presentation.
In the end, Minister Beqaj stated that MED is in the process of revising the Energy Strategy and invited all interested stakeholders, civil society, academic representatives, professional representatives in energy, etc., to give their contributions to a better strategy.
On the importance of Study and long-term planning, KOSTT CEO, Fadil Ismajli, stated that it is very important to have a coherent plan of the energy and transmission system development, and also presented the vision for an optimal use of energy sources, always taking into account our country’s characteristics, and geographic position in the region.
Matthias Kiesler, Deputy Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Kosovëo said that sustainable and affordable energy supply is one of the four main pillars of cooperation between Germany and Kosovo, with the support of USAID, implemented by KfW. He said that the Government of Germany in the energy sector alone has invested in the recent years over 124 million Euros in Kosovo.
The Study on Security of Electricity Supply was financed by the German Government, through the the German Development Bank, KfW, and implemented by the Consultancy Company Vattenfall/Germany.

energjia.al, 05.04.2013