April 8 (SeeNews) - Kosovo's parliament approved a law promoting the use of energy from renewable sources, targeting increased share of clean energy in total electricity output, the energy ministry said.
The law involves drafting energy policies and regulatory frameworks to promote the use of renewables, to foster competitive and efficient support schemes, the ministry said in a press release on Friday.
Solar and wind power plants generated 5.6% of Kosovo's total electricity output in January, the country's statistical office said last month.
Wind, solar photovoltaic, biomass, biogas, and geothermal energy technologies are eligible for government support, according to documents filed to the prime minister's office in October. Support is provided through feed-in premiums - an additional payment made to renewable energy producers on top of the market price for electricity, or feed-in tariffs - a guaranteed purchase price per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This draft law was approved by five parliamentary committees in November.
Beneficiaries will be selected through competitive bidding processes. Detailed terms and conditions for support are to be specified through secondary legislation which is yet to be adopted.
The law also aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and their imports, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance diversification and security of energy sources, meet renewable energy targets, and foster regional electricity market integration.
The renewable energy legislation aligns with the national objective for achieving a 32% share of renewable sources in Kosovo's total electricity output by 2030. An indicative trajectory for meeting this target will be established through secondary legislation.