We marked the second anniversary of the MCC-Kosovo Compact entry-into-force.
This is a $236.7 million agreement, reached between the United States of America, through the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC),
and the Government of Kosovo, and implemented by the Millennium Challenge Account–Kosovo (MCA–Kosovo).
The event brought together representatives of local and international institutions, as well as development partners,
to reflect on the progress achieved during the first two years of Compact implementation.
On this anniversary, special emphasis was placed on strengthening energy security through the implementation of one of the region’s most innovative
energy storage projects. Key developments were also presented across the main program components, including the procurement of the battery system,
land transfer and site preparation for battery installation, progress toward operationalizing the Energy and Innovation Center through a partnership
with the University of Pristina, and the operationalization of the Energy Storage Corporation.
“We have completed the design and, in close coordination with MCC, have advanced to the final procurement stage for the
Battery Energy Storage System – a strategic investment with a capacity of 340 MWh that will increase the stability and flexibility of Kosovo’s
energy system,” said the Chief Executive Officer of MCA–Kosovo, Florina Duli-Sefaj during her opening remarks.
The energy storage project is one of the most innovative in the region and the largest energy sector investment in the country in recent decades.
“The Energy Storage Corporation (ESCorps) has been established and will own 250 MWh of this capacity, while 90 MWh will be owned by KOSTT.
We plan to appoint the Board of this public enterprise no later than next week, which will mark its full operationalization and the addition of an important
new entity to our energy sector,” said the Acting Minister, Artane Rizvanolli.
The Chargé d’affaires of the United States Mission to the Republic of Kosovo, Anu Prattipati, joined partners in marking the
second anniversary of the Compact, highlighting the progress of the $236.7 million partnership between the United States, through MCC,
and the Republic of Kosovo.
“This important investment is strengthening energy security by improving the reliability of electricity supply and supporting
long-term shared economic growth,” stated Chargé d’affaires Anu Prattipati.
In a fireside chat between the Acting Minister Artane Rizvanolli and the MCC Resident Country Director, Rinor Gjonbalaj,
the importance of the Compact for Kosovo’s future energy security was emphasized. It was highlighted that the Compact aims to strengthen
energy security through four key areas: infrastructure investment through battery storage systems, institutional strengthening through energy sector
reforms and technical assistance, workforce development in the energy sector, and attracting private sector investment
through cooperation with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).
The event concluded with a series of panel discussions focusing on energy security, the future of the energy workforce,
and energy sector financing in Kosovo.