Equipping Investors and Developers with the Tools they Need to Leverage Kosovo’s Renewable Energy Potential

Kosovo is well-placed geographically for small-scale and large-scale solar and wind energy development. To accelerate the pace of development for solar and wind projects across the country, USAID’s Energy Sustainability Activity (ESA) teamed up with the Ministry of Environment, Spatial Planning, and Infrastructure (MESPI) to inform investors and developers of ready-made opportunities available in Kosovo. 

The online datasets, integrated into Kosovo’s government geoportal, developed with USAID’s assistance will help investors and developers easily identify zones with the highest potential for solar irradiation and wind availability to determine the best locations for new renewable energy projects. By being able to cross-check solar and wind potential with other publicly available geospatial datasets, like connection into electric transmission network, land cadaster and usage, road access, and topographic maps, developers can gain a better understanding of the renewable resources available in a given area and make informed decisions about where and how to invest in new projects.

“Capturing and organizing key factors, such as constant wind speed at certain turbine heights, distance from the transmission network, land type, and other factors that make the difference in the feasibility studies of renewable energy projects, these datasets will be of great service to the Ministry of Economy, local municipalities, and potential investors for their energy projects and initiatives,” noted Liburn Aliu,  Minister of Environment. 

Five interns, who participated in USAID’s “New Energy” Internship Program, played a leading role in assembling the datasets, allowing them to gain valuable experience and insight into renewable energy planning and development. These interns are destined to leave a mark in the future of the energy sector in Kosovo as they continue their respective engagement with the private or public sector or civil society. 

The renewable energy dataset project is just one part of a broader effort by USAID working closely with the Government and Ministry of Economy to engage private sector investors and developers to scale-up renewable energy development.  Along with facilitating investment and market entry for developers in Kosovo, USAID is making it easier for businesses to invest through policy reforms and improved legislation, including the draft Energy Strategy 2022-2031.