Transmission system operators of Albania and Kosovo have began work on Sunday for a joint power exchange between the two countires, thus paving the way for a unified road of energy.
The news was made public during a press conference organized by the Albanian government where Prime Minister Edi Rama named the initiative as a major step for Albania and Kosovo and a key indicator of how “the Balkan Schengen works”.
“This is the regional Schengen. This is our approach towards the future. The regional Schengen is not a surrender of any sovereignty, but it’s an empowerment. This historic project, as my predecessor [Sali Berisha] underlined, is precisely the use of the sovereignty capacities of the two countries by putting forward visionary projects for solutions,” PM Rama said, adding that this initiative gives the opportunity to create a regional market, which in the near future will be part of the European market.
In Albania 97% of energy is produced by hydropower plants, while in Kosovo energy is produced by power plants.
The joint transmission line will now enable the two countries to exchange electricity as needed, trade with other countries if necessary, and reduce grid losses.
The Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Belinda Balluku said that the energy exchange, interconnection and the joint control room lay the foundations of an energy unification between Albania and Kosovo, making possible the reduction of transmission costs, and increasing energy recourses for consumers.
“Today we are mutually stronger in terms of capacity, and since we have such a high level of renewable production, which in Europe is used to balance carbon quotas, now through this line we can even export it,” Rama said, adding that as of today both countries will no longer depend on the weather or the level of pollution from power plants.
In parallel with this project, the government aims to increase energy production with hydropower projects such as Skavica, or photovoltaic power plants and become a producer and exporter of energy for the region.
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