December 19, 2025
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KEK seeks contractor for 100 MW solar power project near Prishtina

Government-controlled Kosovo Energy Corp. (KEK) launched the prequalifications call for its Solar4Kosovo photovoltaic project. The area is in the municipalities of Obiliq (Obilić) and Fushë Kosovë (Kosovo Polje), northwest of Prishtina.

After more than four years of planning the project, KEK is receiving applications for the design and construction of its first solar power plant, on a former coal ash dump. The government-owned power utility operates coal plants Kosovo A and Kosovo B, which account for some 90% of domestic electricity.

The location for the first part of the Solar4Kosovo project is in the municipalities of Obiliq (Obilić) and Fushë Kosovë (Kosovo Polje). The area, northwest of Prishtina, is in the Sitnica river valley, near Kosovo A.

The facility is planned for a grid connection of at least 100 MW. It translates to 120 MW in peak capacity, according to earlier updates. It would be the biggest PV plant in Kosovo*.

KEK is receiving prequalification bids until January 22, within the process of selecting contractors for the project. Companies apply through the exficon (exfitender) platform. Three months ago, the utility said agricultural activities on the designated land weren’t allowed anymore.

KEK obtained EUR 32 million EU grant

The financing for the Solar4Kosovo facility is part of the European Union’s Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans of EUR 9 billion in grants. The package is aimed at mobilizing a total of EUR 30 billion.

The European Investment Bank is providing a EUR 33 million loan. The EU has approved a EUR 32 million grant via its Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), while Germany’s KfW Development Bank is lending EUR 29 million to KEK. The investment was earlier estimated at EUR 107 million overall.

Annual output estimated at 169 GWh

The proposed solar power plant is expected to produce 169 GWh per year. It would have an underground connection to the existing substation at the Kosovo A thermal power plant.

The other part of the Solar4Kosovo project is for a solar thermal facility of 30 MW for the capital city’s district heating system. The site is in the village of Shkabaj (Orlović) in Obiliq municipality. Another segment of the investment is for a further network extension of 20 MW with supply from Kosovo B.

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* This designation is without prejudice to positions onstatus and is in line with UNSCR 1244/99 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.
September 23, 2025
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EU launches EUR 17.5 billion energy efficiency initiative for SMEs

The European Union plans to double its support to small and medium-sized enterprises in the 2025-2027 period for investments in energy efficiency and decarbonization.

The European Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group have launched a EUR 17.5 billion financing initiative.

According to the commission, more than 350,000 companies across Europe are set to make energy efficiency and decarbonization gains through the scheme.

The initiative for energy efficiency for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is led by the EIB Group. It aims to help firms utilize proven energy-saving technologies to reduce their energy bills and enhance their resilience and competitiveness, the commission underscored.

The EU expects to mobilize over EUR 65 billion in overall investments

The program will use a combination of existing and new financial products, including debt and equity instruments. The EU expects to mobilize over EUR 65 billion of investments in the segment by 2027.

To streamline access and support for businesses, the initiative will introduce a “one-stop shop for energy efficiency for SMEs,” the update adds. The commission explained that a single-entry point would integrate EIB Group’s intermediated lending offering and added it would simplify engagement and accelerate implementation.

The backing by the commission will include EU budget guarantees

The commission’s backing will include EU budget guarantees offered through the InvestEU mechanism and LIFE environmental program.

EU Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen pointed out that SMEs invest in energy efficiency at only half the rate of larger companies. “This EIB initiative supported by the commission will be key to closing the investment gap, simplifying access to financing, and accelerating the deployment of energy efficiency solutions,” he added.

According to EIB Group President Nadia Calviño, the initiative represents a significant step up in support to help companies cut energy costs.

“Servitisation” or energy efficiency as a service

The EIB said it is partnering with the Solar Impulse Foundation, a nonprofit organization, to promote a model known as “servitisation” or energy efficiency as a service.

For example, instead of purchasing energy-efficient heating or lighting equipment, SMEs pay for the warmth or light they use. The service provider retains ownership of the equipment and ensures its performance. EIB stressed that the model eliminates upfront investment costs for businesses, making it easier and faster to adopt energy efficiency measures.

“The Solar Impulse Foundation has already identified over 1,600 profitable solutions that prove efficiency is not a cost but a gain. With this initiative, we can now bring these innovations to hundreds of thousands of SMEs across Europe,” said Bertrand Piccard, initiator and chairman of the Solar Impulse Foundation.

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September 16, 2025
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Coal plant operator KEK to begin construction of Solar4Kosovo PV plant

Government-controlled Kosovo Energy Corp. (KEK) said it is preparing to start building its Solar4Kosovo 1 photovoltaic plant near Prishtina. It informed the local community that agricultural and other activities weren’t allowed anymore on the designated land.

After four years of planning. a former coal ash dump is about to be turned into the biggest solar power plant in Kosovo*. KEK is running the Solar4Kosovo 1 project at a site near its Kosovo A power plant near Prishtina.

The area is in the municipalities of Obiliq (Obilić) and Fushë Kosovë (Kosovo Polje). The government-owned power utility said it is preparing to begin construction works. The project is for 100 MW in connection capacity, translating to 120 MW in peak capacity.

The update mainly affects residents of Dardhishtë and Mërlak in Kryshevc (Kruševac) in Obiliq municipality. Agricultural and other activities aren’t allowed anymore, the company announced. It explained that so far it tolerated the use of its property there by the local community.

KEK obtained EUR 32 million EU grant

The financing for the Solar4Kosovo facility is part of the European Union’s Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans of EUR 9 billion in grants. The package is aimed at mobilizing a total of EUR 30 billion.

The European Investment Bank is providing a EUR 33 million loan. The EU has approved a EUR 32 million grant via its Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), while Germany’s KfW Development Bank is lending EUR 29 million to KEK. The investment was earlier estimated at EUR 107 million overall.

Annual output estimated at 169 GWh

The proposed solar power plant is expected to produce 169 GWh per year. It would have an underground connection to the existing substation at the Kosovo A thermal power plant.

Notably, Kosovo* is dependent on the obsolete Kosovo A and Kosovo B coal plants for almost all its electricity.

The other part of the Solar4Kosovo project is for a solar thermal facility for the capital city’s district heating system. The site is in the village of Shkabaj (Orlović) in Obiliq municipality. The investment includes a 20 MW network extension.

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* This designation is without prejudice to positions onstatus and is in line with UNSCR 1244/99 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.
August 27, 2025
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Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and Development secures EUR 50 million for firms for green investments

The Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and Development has secured EUR 150 million from the European Investment Bank, of which at least one third is dedicated to green investments by businesses in the country.

A new finance contract with the European Investment Bank (EIB) provides EUR 150 million to finance projects of mid-caps, large private companies and public entities in Croatia, the Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and Development (HBOR) said.

The loan particularly promotes green investments. It is the first tranche of a new EUR 350 million financing agreement between the EIB and HBOR to expand access to financing for Croatian companies.

The package will be deployed via direct lending by HBOR and through commercial banks and other financial intermediaries.

At least 30% of the financing is for projects contributing to green transition

At least 30% of the financing is for projects contributing to green transition, including investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, sustainable construction and clean transport, Croatia’s bank noted.

According to EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska, the initiative will expand financial support to a broad range of Croatian companies and public entities, with a strong emphasis on climate action and sustainability.

The operation is structured as a multi-beneficiary intermediated loan (MBIL). In addition to advancing the European Union‘s goals to promote climate action and environmental sustainability, it will help foster economic activity and social cohesion across Croatia, HBOR said.

The EIB and HBOR have concluded 28 finance contracts worth EUR 3.8 billion overall

HBOR will ensure, as it has so far in cooperation with EIB, that all end-beneficiaries comply with relevant national and EU legislation, with a special focus on preserving environmental, climate and social standards.

The new financing further reinforces HBOR’s role in supporting green and climate-resilient projects, contributing to the achievement of the strategic goals of Croatia and the European Union for the ​​green transition, according to Hrvoje Čuvalo, President of the Management Board of HBOR.

EIB and HBOR have concluded 28 finance contracts so far, worth EUR 3.8 billion, for financing more than 8,000 projects across Croatia.

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May 17, 2025
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Works beginning on North Macedonian side of gas interconnector with Greece

The North Macedonian section of the gas interconnector with Greece is expected to be completed by early 2027. The construction contract was signed by the Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources, domestic contractor Rapid Build and the country’s gas transmission system operator Nomagas.

The construction of the gas pipeline connecting North Macedonia with Greece is set to begin in a month, according to officials. Land expropriation is 90% complete. The initial capacity of the interconnector would be 1.5 billion cubic meters per year, with a potential to double it. The works are expected to be completed within 22 months.

„With the signing of the contract for the construction of the Macedonian section of the gas interconnector with Greece, we are marking the beginning of the largest energy investment in North Macedonia in the last ten years. The interconnector is proof that when there is political will, regional trust, and professional dedication – the results are real and tangible,” said Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources Sanja Božinovska.

The contract was signed by the ministry, contractor Rapid bild, based in Kumanovo in North Macedonia, and the country’s gas transmission system operator Nomagas. The future pipeline would be able to carry both natural gas and hydrogen.

Repeated tender slashes price by EUR 12 million

The winning bid was EUR 59.9 million or EUR 12 million less than in the initial tender, which was annulled.

The project is worth over MKD 5.1 billion (EUR 82.9 million). It is financed by the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). It includes grants of EUR 2.5 million for technical assistance and another EUR 9.9 million via the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF).

The project is financed by the EIB and EBRD

„This contract ensures diversification and access to a greater number of natural gas sources, enables economic development, progress and environmental protection, and contributes to the security of energy supply,” said Executive Director of Nomagas Muhamet Elmazi.

Gasification would significantly improve air quality, especially in areas where wood and fuel oil are currently used for heating.

Greek section of interconnector under construction since February

On the North Macedonian side, the interconnector route is 68 kilometers long, out of a total of 123 kilometers. It will run from Nea Mesimvria in Greece through Evzoni (Mačukovo) and Gevgelija at the border, to Negotino. The next phase involves building gas links from Gostivar to Kičevo (34 kilometers) and from Sveti Nikole to Veles (28 kilometers).

Greek company Terna began constructing its country’s section of the pipeline in February.

Nomagas and Greece’s National Natural Gas System Operator (DESFA) made their final investment decision a year and a half ago.

The companies leaned the investment on the project for the Alexandroupolis LNG Terminal. The liquefied natural gas facility in northeastern Greece was opened on October 1. However, due to a malfunction, it has been out of operation for more than three months. According to the latest update, gradual reactivation is expected to begin by the end of May.

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April 17, 2025
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Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanović gets third mandate; Sara Pavkov takes over environment

The National Assembly of Serbia reelected Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanović for her third term. The youngest member of the new cabinet, led by Prime Minister Đuro Macut, is the new Minister of Environmental Protection – Sara Pavkov.

Members of parliament voted in the new Government of Serbia today with 153 in favor and 46 against the proposal, while 51 lawmakers were absent from the session. The lineup under Prime Minister Đuro Macut, who has just entered the political arena now, includes Sara Pavkov, responsible for environmental protection. At 33, she is the youngest member of the cabinet.

Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanović was elected for her third mandate.

At 33 years old, Sara Pavkov is the youngest minister in the team of new Prime Minister Đuro Macut

Pavkov holds a graduate and master’s degree from the biology and ecology department of the University of Novi Sad Faculty of Sciences (FTN). She is a doctoral candidate and research intern at the faculty, according to her official biography.

Since 2022, she has served as a state secretary at the Ministry of Environmental Protection. Before that, she was the chief of staff since June 2021, after holding the position of special advisor for environmental protection from November 2020.

As one of the vice-presidents of the Bureau of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Sara Pavkov participated in the UN Climate Change Conference COP26 in Glasgow in 2021.

From 2013 to 2020, she coordinated more than 20 civil society projects for environmental protection. The new minister has authored or coauthored 11 scientific and professional papers in the same field.

She joined the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) since 2012. Since November 2021, Sara Pavkov has been a member of its presidency.

Third run for Dubravka Đedović Handanović as minister of mining and energy

Dubravka Đedović Handanović was first elected minister of environment and energy in October 2022 in the cabinet of Prime Minister Ana Brnabić. She was reappointed last May, when Miloš Vučević became the prime minister of Serbia.

Before becoming minister, she was a member of the Executive Board of NLB Komercijalna banka, responsible for corporate and investment banking. She has an international experience in banking of more than 16 years.

Minister Đedović Handanović, who remained in position in the new government, has worked in the EIB

Đedović Handanović has graduated in banking and finance from the Faculty of Economics in Belgrade and obtained her master’s degree in finance and management from SDA Bocconi University in Milan and the Anderson School of Management at the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA).

She headed the Regional Office of the European Investment Bank (EIB) for the Western Balkans from 2016 to 2021, before moving to NLB Komercijalna banka.

Until the start of her tenure in Belgrade, Dubravka Đedović Handanović was the manager for Albania, North Macedonia and Serbia at the headquarters of the EIB in Luxembourg. It is the European Union’s main lending institution. She was also in charge of public-private partnership projects and project financing in countries including Ireland, France, the United Kingdom and the Benelux.

Before starting her career in banking, the reelected minister of mining and energy worked in the media and communications sector.

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April 6, 2025
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Kosovo* receives financing for 120 MW solar power plant on coal ash dump

The European Investment Bank is providing a EUR 33 million loan for a solar power plant of 120 MW in peak capacity. Government-controlled power utility KEK plans to install it on its former coal ash dump near Prishtina.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) signed a EUR 33 million investment loan for the construction of a photovoltaic plant in Kosovo* with a connection to the grid of up to 100 MW, translated to 120 MW in peak capacity.

The financing package for the Solar4Kosovo project is part of the European Union’s Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans of EUR 9 billion in grants. It is aimed at mobilizing a total of EUR 30 billion.

Solar power project involves EUR 32 million EU grant

The proposed facility is expected to produce 169 GWh per year, EIB said. The location, owned by government-controlled Kosovo Energy Corp. (KEK), is on the former ash dump of its Kosovo A power plant. The electricity producer is also getting a EUR 32 million grant via the EU’s Western Balkans Investment Framework.

“As one of the largest renewable energy developments in the region under Team Europe, this project will help Kosovo* achieve its energy security and renewable energy goals. Together with the European Commission and other partners, we are glad to be able to jointly help Kosovo* lay the groundwork for the decarbonisation of the local economy and diversification of the energy mix, in line with the EU Green Agenda,” said EIB’s Vice-President Kyriacos Kakouris.

Investment valued at EUR 107 million in total

Germany’s KfW Development bank is providing a EUR 29 million loan. The project’s total value, including KEK’s own funds, is estimated at EUR 107 million. The solar power plant between the towns of Obiliq/Obilić and Fushë Kosova (called Kosovo Polje in Serbian), near Prishtina, would have an underground connection to the existing substation at the Kosovo A thermal power plant.

“This project, the largest of its kind in the region, not only guarantees a sustainable energy production method but also accelerates Kosovo’s shift from conventional energy sources,” according to Kosovo’s Minister of Finance, Labour and Transfers Hekuran Murati.

Kosovo* is dependent on obsolete Kosovo A and Kosovo B coal plants for almost all its electricity. Renewables projects are gradually gaining traction.

The other part of the Solar4Kosovo project is for a solar thermal facility for the nearby capital city’s district heating system. The site is in the village of Shkabaj (Orlović) in Obiliq municipality.

In other news, the government in Prishtina established Energy Storage Corp. or ESCorp. It will manage the project for batteries with total operating power of 125 MW and 250 MWh in capacity. It is funded by the Millennium Challenge Corp. (MCC) of the United States.

The remaining 45 MW (90 MWh) is expected to be owned by Transmission, System and Market Operator (KOSTT). The battery systems are envisaged to store surplus electricity and stabilize the frequency in the transmission system. They are valued at USD 180 million altogether.

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* This designation is without prejudice to positions onstatus and is in line with UNSCR 1244/99 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.
December 21, 2016
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World Bank Agrees $800 mln loan for Turkey, Azerbaijan gas pipeline

The World Bank’s board of directors approved loans of $400 million each for Turkey and Azerbaijan, for the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) project late Tuesday, December 20, Anadolu Agency reports.

The loans will be supplied through the World Bank’s subsidiary, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD).

Turkey’s Petroleum Pipeline Corporation (BOTAS) will be in receipt of the loan in Turkey guaranteed by the Republic of Turkey with a maturity of 24 years.

In Azerbaijan, the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) closed Joint Stock Company will obtain the loan with a guarantee from the Republic of Azerbaijan based on a 30 year maturity period.

Around $4 billion in external financing is anticipated for the $8.5 billion project, SOCAR’s President Rovnaq Abdullayev said in previous interview with Anadolu Agency.

In addition to the World Bank, the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank, European Investment Bank and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development are among the proposed supporters of the project.

“The slump in global oil prices and low commodity prices also gives the TANAP project an opportunity to shrink its budget and save up to $3.2 billion. Initially, the investment budget for TANAP was estimated at $11.7 billion, but with the help of low oil prices, we reduced our budget to $8.5 billion,” TANAP General Manager Saltuk Duzyol said in an interview with journalists last week.

The TANAP project plans to be operational in 2018 with an initial capacity to carry 16 billion cubic meters (bcm) of Azeri gas through Georgia to Turkey. While 6 bcm will be for Turkey’s domestic gas consumption, the rest is destined for transfer to Greece, Albania, and Italy and further into Europe.

Azeri energy giant State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) holds a 58 percent interest in TANAP, Turkey’s BOTAS has a 30 percent share while BP owns a 12 percent stake.