Kurti: Kosovo examining possibility of US liquefied gas supply

During the cornerstone laying ceremony for the 105-megawatt solar park in Kramovik, Rahovec, caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced that Kosovo is examining the possibility of supplying liquefied natural gas from the United States. This cooperation, according to him, would be realized through the Vlora thermal power plant in Albania.

Kurti also highlighted the special dimension of this project for relations with the diaspora. He stressed that the consortium’s leading company, Orllati Group, which grew up in Switzerland, is bringing to Kosovo experience, capital and high work standards through a long-term investment.

The head of government recalled that for decades the diaspora has stood by Kosovo in the most challenging periods. He noted that more and more entrepreneurs from the diaspora are returning with investments, production, technology and new jobs, marking a new and very important phase of their contribution.

Kurti also expressed gratitude for the American government, which has provided support in preparing and drafting the first solar auction. US expertise, he said, has helped the process follow best international practices and inspire trust among investors.

Turning to other energy projects, the prime minister announced that the next auction for new wind energy capacities, up to 100 megawatts, has entered the final phase of bid submission. He specified that three companies are pre-qualified: one from France, one from Germany and Kosovo, and one from Turkey, all possessing the necessary experience and expertise.

Meanwhile, Kurti noted that the wind farm in Selac, with a capacity of 70 megawatts, is near completion. From the ceremony location, he pointed out that the turbines of this park in Zatriq could be seen on the horizon. He also informed that the Kosovo Energy Corporation (KEK), with support from the German Development Bank (KfW), has announced the tender for its solar park with a minimum capacity of 100 megawatts.

Kurti underlined the growing role of renewable sources in the energy landscape. He explained that these technologies, besides being clean, have become increasingly cost-competitive in recent years. Sources like sun and wind, he added, are inexhaustible and have no fuel costs, thus helping to reduce import dependence.

Further, he revealed that the Government is investing in battery storage systems to store energy, with a $202 million grant from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). He expressed gratitude to the Trump administration, which last year decided to continue the compact program with Kosovo, and said that after that decision work has proceeded with intensity. Kurti announced that during August, bidding is expected from qualified American companies for the construction of battery systems with a capacity of 170 megawatts for two hours – a total of 340 megawatt-hours – and that construction will start next year.

Finally, the caretaker prime minister connected energy security with economic and national security, especially under conditions of geopolitical instability and price fluctuations on international stock exchanges. He argued that every megawatt-hour produced from domestic sources reduces exposure to external crises and strengthens support for a growing economy.