The construction of a 150 MW agrisolar power plant has commenced in the municipality of Gjakova in western Kosovo by the Solar Energy Group Europe. This project currently holds the distinction of being the largest under construction in the Western Balkans, surpassing Albania’s Karavasta project. Within a year, the consortium plans to begin generating electricity at the photovoltaic facility, which will not rely on government subsidies and will sell its produced electricity on the open market.
SEGE’s website states that the electricity will be sold internationally through the power lines managed by transmission system operator (TSO) KOSTT. The company secured a grid connection in March 2021. However, SEGE is open to negotiating exclusive sales solely for Kosovo.
The aim of the project is to combine advanced technology with traditional agriculture practices. The company will plant grass mixtures with a high protein content and graze sheep.
Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, hailed the project as a significant stride towards a clean energy transition. He emphasized that the construction and operation of the solar park in the village of Bec, led by a group of companies including Siemens Energy, is a crucial step towards energy independence. Kurti further mentioned that this endeavor aligns with the recently adopted energy strategy, which seeks to develop the energy sector in accordance with the Sofia Declaration.
Artane Rizvanolli, Kosovo’s Minister of Economy, highlighted that the commencement of work on the 150 MW solar park closely followed the launch of a public call for a 100 MW solar auction. Siemens Energy, employing state-of-the-art technologies, will oversee the construction of the solar park.
Kosovo has also issued a contract notice inviting interested investors to construct and operate a solar power plant on public land. The designated location in Kramovik has a targeted connection capacity ranging from 95 MW to 105 MW.
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