Energy (Reform) and Culture: The Necessary Drivers of Kosovo’s Path to Economic Growth

The Republic of Kosovo, a small landlocked country in the southern Balkans, adopted an ambitious energy strategy for the period of 2022-31, which is overseen by the Ministry of Economy. It is a plan which seeks to address the many challenges Kosovo is facing, in particular how to develop and grow, and provide opportunity for its youthful population, and at the same time overcome its heavy reliance on lignite powered electricity, which provides inadequate reliability and no flexibility, with its negative impact on the economy, and, worse, is a major source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and local pollution. The goal of the 2024 Kosovo Capstone will be to build on the strong foundational 2023 Capstone and further assist and support the Ministries of Economy and Culture of Kosovo in developing their energy action plan, including drafting an economic/investment plan that is capable of attracting foreign investment, drafting implementing laws and regulations, with a focus on ESG, and preparing a media promotion plan to underscore that Kosovo is a place that is open for business and has a welcoming culture.