At the Electricity Market Integration Conference organized by USAID in early December, more than 100 experts and officials from Albania and Kosovo took another step toward electricity market integration between the two countries. Kosovo’s Minister of Economy encouraged the development of the integrated market in the context of security of supply, focus on renewable energy, and affordability to electricity users. The Albanian Deputy Minister for Energy and Infrastructure underlined the importance of the energy sector and the positive potential of integrated markets.
A highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum between the regulatory agencies of Albania and Kosovo, agreeing to mutually recognize electricity trade and supply licenses granted in the two countries, a concrete step towards integrating the two markets, which will improve market liquidity and provide leadership in market governance. Once fully established, the integrated market will promote greater efficiency, competition, and attract investment. This should result in increased security of supply at more affordable prices, and open the path towards further integration with the regional and EU markets.
The Conference focused on the remaining challenges to market integration, including liberalization of wholesale and retail markets. It also provided a vision of the future: how the coupled market will operate. Participants learned about the Albania Power Exchange (ALPEX), established jointly by the Albania and Kosovo electricity transmission operators, its practical operation, and the rules for trading electricity and settling accounts.
USAID will continue to provide additional capacity-building assistance and training to energy institutions and market participants in both countries that will help ensure the successful operation of ALPEX and the coupled electricity market, as well as pursue further integration with the regional and EU markets.
Tetra tech for USAIDKosovo