The EU-funded Cogeneration project is a step in the right direction to provide with the much-needed heat supply to Kosovo citizens during the winter. This was the conclusion of the panelists agreed on during the discussion Energy Efficiency – Cogeneration and City Heating in Pristina. The discussion was organized as part of the Environment campaign #GIVEGREENACHANCE, funded by the EU Office.
The participants of the event had the opportunity to learn more about the importance of efficient energy, and exchange ideas and information about the improvement of the environment in Kosovo. The Cogeneration project is a tangible example of a long-term solution to the challenges Kosovo faces regarding the energy efficiency. With a €13.8 million investment, the EU aimed to improve the district heating in Pristina, and by doing so reduce CO2 emission in Kosovo. Through the construction of a pipeline connection between the Termokos heating network in Pristina and the Kosovo B Power plant, this goal has now become reality.
Libor CHLAD, Deputy Head of Cooperation, EU Office in Kosovo/EUSR, outlined the positive outcomes the project has on the citizens of Pristina. Not only will the air become less polluted, also 12.000 households and 60.000 people will feel the benefits of this project and have a 24-hour heat supply. Yet, according to CHLAD, the energy sector in Kosovo is still facing significant challenges; the energy intensity is approximately four times higher as the EU- average; and the energy sector remains one of the largest polluters in Kosovo. That is why CHLAD is calling for a nationwide debate on how to set up the energy supply and sector in Kosovo. “Look inside Kosovo for energy sources, and use the available new technologies”, CHLAD added.
Shpend Ahmeti, Mayor of Prishtina, was on the same page as Chlad and the other panellists. He called the Cogeneration project “a privilege to have” but was already looking to future improvements. “Kosovo has to decrease the use of wood and coal as energy sources, and more citizens have to become connected to the district heating,” Ahmeti stated. That is why Kosovo together with the EU, now focusses on establishing district heating nationwide in Kosovo. With an additional €19 million under IPA 2015, the EU will support these future engagements and improve the environment in Kosovo.
So, let’s give Green a chance, and continue to increase to heat supply and make improvements to protect the environment in Kosovo.