The state of the electrical sector in Western Balkan countries. Case study: Republic of Kosovo

Abstract

The electricity sector around the world is considered one of the most important sectors, which has a direct impact on the economic development of a country. Based on the increase in energy consumption, the crisis with the emission of high levels of harmful gases - the greenhouse effect and the expansion at the economic level of countries, electricity, namely the increase of energy capacity will remain key issues for future discussion at the global level. Electricity is the engine of the rapid economic development of a country; necessarily the well-being of citizens to access to energy sources and energy stability is a key requirement of every consumer, producer or economic operator. How much capacity do countries in the world have to respond to the increase in energy consumption in the future and what sources will be oriented so that the consequences are minimal for the environment, is a question that needs continuous detailed study and concrete approaches from relevant institutions and professionals in this field. Security in electricity supply is essential for our society and necessary for the 24/7 principle for the digital economy. The recent difficulties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic remind us of the great importance of electricity in all aspects of our lives, from the availability of medical equipment and IT systems - for work from home as a growing trend of systemizing jobs during 2020. Ensuring a secure and reliable electricity supply is of paramount importance to all countries in the world. Considering the Western Balkans as one of the regions which since the 90s most of it has been an area which has emerged from devastating wars and which have affected every sphere, including the energy sector. So, the development of the energy sector is one of the most critical issues in the Western Balkans region. Based on the considerable potential of electricity production from renewable sources, it is considered that the production of electricity from RES will create a stable and functional system of energy production by contributing to the principle of diversification of electricity production and decentralization of the power system. So, renewable energy is considered a promising method for building sustainable and resilient energy systems that provide affordable energy to boost a region economic development, reducing import dependence. The purpose of this scientific research is to discuss the development and current state of electricity production from renewable sources in the Western Balkans, with special emphasis on the Republic of Kosovo. Considering that all Western Balkan countries have set targets or targets for RES in their energy policies but not always these pre-defined targets are easily achievable in practice due to thevarious challenges facing the energy sector in this region.