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Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Kosovo's acting Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, stated that the Government is considering the possibility of using liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States, as part of efforts to diversify the country's energy sources.
The statement was made during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a solar park with a capacity of 105 megawatts in Rahovec.
"For the future, we aim to use coal more responsibly with special emphasis on its gasification, and we are considering the possibility of using liquefied gas from the United States through cooperation with Albania at the Vlora thermal power plant," Kurti said.
This is the first time that Kurti, or a representative of his government, has publicly stated that Pristina is considering the possibility of joining the American LNG supply project, following continuous calls from the United States.
In late June, acting Economy Minister Artane Rizvanolli stated that Kosovo is not against American liquefied natural gas and that the issue would be treated “very seriously.” She also stressed that the government sees coal gasification as a more favorable alternative to importing American LNG.
Currently, about 90 percent of Kosovo's electricity is produced from coal, while only about 10 percent is provided by renewable sources, such as hydroelectric power, wind and solar power. During periods of high consumption, the country also relies on energy imports.
Meanwhile, the American Chamber of Commerce and the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce have warned that the rejection of regional liquefied gas projects could have consequences for the strategic partnership between Kosovo and the United States.
According to them, Kosovo's inclusion in the regional US LNG infrastructure would increase energy security, diversify supply sources, and make the country more attractive for investment.
The debate has also intensified after an opinion piece published in early June by the chargé d'affaires at the US Embassy in Pristina, Anu Prattipati, who called on Kosovo to build a long-term energy partnership with the United States through American gas.
Energy sector experts estimate that Washington aims to strengthen the energy security of the Western Balkan countries and reduce their dependence on Russian influence and other external sources.
Meanwhile, several countries in the region, including Albania, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, have signed agreements with American companies and American authorities to expand natural gas infrastructure.
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