November 12th, 2019 Prishtina
POE “Termokos” presented today the final results of the pre-feasibility project for solar energy “Solar Energy for Kosovo / Large Solar Plants of Prishtina”.
This project implemented thanks to German-Kosovar cooperation, through the German Development Bank (KfW) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), aims to lay the foundations for a major project to integrate renewable energy into the Prishtina’s district heating system.
The Mayor of Prishtina, Shpend Ahmeti, expressed his satisfaction that in 2019, Prishtina is discussing the possibilities of providing thermal energy through solar panels.
“If built in Kosovo, this would be the second project in Europe after Denmark, to feature a district heating system with solar panels,” Ahmeti emphasized.
Referring to the severe air pollution in Prishtina caused by resident’s individual coal heating, he stated that merely telling citizens to stop using coal is not a solution. Instead, the best approach would be to offer them alternative heating methods alongside a coal ban. Considering it an extraordinary project, he emphasized that it is worthwhile in terms of both cost and benefits.
The German Ambassador to Kosovo, Christian Heldt, stated that “Termokos” is definitely one of the success stories. Reflecting on the forms of cooperation, he recalled that since the beginning of the cogeneration project’ implementation, which was initially seen as unlikely by sceptics, time has proven that this project could work.
“I congratulate the Municipality of Prishtina, and particularly “Termokos”, for improving the lives of citizens, the functioning of the municipality, and the environment”, said Ambassador Heldt. He expressed his satisfaction with this new step that “Termokos” has taken in cooperation with the EBRD and KfW.
Recalling that the Cogeneration Project is one of the most important projects implemented after the war in Kosovo, the Chief Executive Officer of POE “Termokos”, Arsim Fetahu, emphasized that its implementation would have been impossible without donor support, to whom he expressed his gratitude.
“The most recent history of “Termokos” began with the implementation of the cogeneration project, which has had a direct impact on improving the lives of citizens by providing sufficient and quality heating for all consumers”, said Fetahu. He spoke about the projects being implemented with the support of donors, whom he thanked for their continued support.
Neil Taylor, Head of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Office in Kosovo, said that district heating is more efficient, cheaper and cleaner than other heating alternatives.
“This project represents a small opportunity to eliminate the use of coal for heating,” Taylor emphasized, expressing optimism that cooperation with other donors will lead to progress with this project.
Rene Eschemann, Head of the German Development Bank (KfW) Office in Kosovo, also expressed his satisfaction with their active participation in drafting this project. Recalling on the early stages of cooperation for the realization of cogeneration project and its implementation challenges, he mentioned that close cooperation with consumers will also be needed for the solar energy project.
Details from the Pre-Feasibility Project for Solar Energy were presented to the attendees by Felix Eckert from “Clean Energy Solutions”. He shared the results of this project, which is expected to be implemented over a period of 3-5 years, for the “Arbëria” and “Tophane” neighbourhoods. Providing heating through solar panels would not only ensure sufficient and quality heating for thousands of new consumers in these two neighbourhoods, but also help eliminate the use of coal for heating, which significantly worsens air quality for the capital’s residents during the winter months.
