USEA Commemorates Kosovo’s Independence and Energy Sector Partnership
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Melissa Brown, mbrown@usea.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. – USEA President & CEO Mark Menezes today issued the following statement honoring the 18th anniversary of Kosovo’s independence and the nearly 20-year technical partnership between USEA and the nation’s energy sector.
“On behalf of the United States Energy Association, I congratulate the people and Government of Kosovo on this historic anniversary,” said Menezes. “For two decades, USEA has been proud to partner with Kosovo’s energy institutions, supporting their efforts to strengthen energy security, modernize infrastructure, and build a more resilient power sector.”
USEA’s long-standing engagement with Kosovo’s energy sector has played an important role in strengthening its energy security. A qualitative assessment conducted by USEA in 2006 confirmed the readiness of Kosovar professionals to assume responsibility for managing the utility sector following the conclusion of an international management contract — a milestone achieved two years prior to Kosovo’s declaration of independence.
Over the years, USEA has delivered targeted technical assistance to support Kosovo’s energy modernization. This included providing the Kosovo Energy Corporation (KEK), and later the transmission system operator (KOSTT), with advanced transmission network planning software and specialized training. These tools enabled the development of national Ten-Year Network Development Plans aligned with European Union requirements.
A pivotal moment in USEA’s cooperation occurred in 2008, when USEA convened a high-level privatization workshop for Kosovo’s Prime Minister and senior energy officials. The initiative supported the formal privatization of KEK’s Distribution and Supply functions.
In 2014, USEA delivered emergency technical assistance to help rehabilitate a power generation unit vital to Kosovo’s electricity supply. And recently, recognizing that Kosovo’s long-term energy security is closely tied to regional integration, USEA has further supported KOSTT’s efforts to advance cross-border electricity trade and align its market structures with Europe’s Single Day-Ahead Coupling wholesale electricity market.
“Energy security is fundamental to Kosovo’s economic stability and national security,” said Will Polen, Senior Director at USEA. “USEA’s commitment to Kosovo remains steadfast, and we look forward to continued cooperation in strengthening the country’s power sector and supporting a resilient energy future for the region.”