When Visar Kelmendi founded Green Energy Technologies (GET) in 2010, one of the main difficulties he faced was the lack of a market for his company’s solar installation products. Fast forward to today, and Visar joined over 200 businesses, solar developers, policymakers, commercial banks, and local organizations in Kosovo's first-ever Solar Forum. Speaking at the opening ceremony, USAID Kosovo Acting Deputy Mission Director, Gezim Hysenagolli, stated: “The climate challenge presents a number of opportunities, such as renewable energy programs…to mitigate climate change while lowering costs, spurring economic growth, and increasing access to affordable modern energy services.”
The event, organized by the Ministry of Economy with support from USAID, featured a business-to-business solar developers fair, where the country's leading solar companies marketed climate-friendly products. In addition to the fair, the event spurred public-private dialogue on how to reach the country’s solar potential and discussions on Kosovo’s draft Renewable Energy Law. According to Visar, “Initially, the first companies in Kosovo to utilize this technology were fanatics of the energy savings and efficiency industry, with a focus on solar.” Today, Kosovo institutions, businesses, and organizations are coming together to utilize solar energy to redefine Kosovo’s energy mix and prevent climate change.
While visiting the fair and meeting with private sector representatives, Prime Minister Kurti stated that the diligence and ideas of the private sector combined with good government policies are a combination for success. Growing small-scale solar will play a critical role in Kosovo reaching its 2030 renewable energy targets and reducing its carbon footprint. USAID’s Kosovo Energy Security of Supply activity supports the development and expansion of solar power in Kosovo.
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