Briefing Paper An Alternative Approach for Energy June 2011 An Alternative Approach for Energy In this issue: 1. Fusion of the Energetic Systems between Kosovo and Albania 2. Heating System for District Heating and Hot Water 3. Implementation of Efficiency Measures 4. Minimization of Commercial and Technical Losses 5. Building New Capacities which rely on Renewable Energy Introduction The energy sector, especially electricity production, continues to be one of the sectors that represent a serious problem for Kosovo, Consumers, households, as well as businesses are facing an unsatisfactory and instable provision of electricity, which turns to be a barrier for the economic development of the country. The consequences of the inadequate treatment of this sector are large technical and commercial losses and an increase in demand, Kosovo continues to be the country in the region with the highest dependency concerning electricity imports. In comparison to 2009, Kosovo has continuously increased its electricity imports about 6% and this year a higher percentage of import is expected. Therefore, the problem of electricity along with the projection of its demand and supply is and will be one of the biggest challenges in Kosovo. From the public discussions associated with this issue until now, the impression is that the only solution to overcome this situation will be through building new­generation capacities which rely on lignite. Based on this arbitrary assumption, the problem is narrowed down in deciding on the size of the capacities: whether the new thermo power plant will be 2100, 1000, or 600 MW, without leaving room for dealing with this issue from a larger perspective.