Delivering an affordable, reliable and sustainable energy supply is essential for fostering growth, reducing poverty and achieving shared prosperity. In the context of Kosovo’s efforts to modernize its energy sector, UNOPS has responded to the critical need for guidance and support in drafting secondary legislation on renewable energy sources and implementing related policies. This support has been vital for aligning Kosovo’s energy framework with EU standards, such as the Renewable Energy Directives (RED I & II) and the Energy Efficiency Directive, and for fulfilling its obligations under the Energy Community Treaty.

The main goal of this assignment has been to assist the Ministry of Economy in developing secondary legislation and support the implementation of the recently adopted Law on the Promotion and Use of Renewable Energy Sources (08/L-258), which aims to enhance the use of RES and cogeneration across the electricity, heating, cooling and transportation sectors to better meet energy demands. UNOPS experts also aimed to identify gaps in the energy framework, foster collaboration with development partners, monitor progress in renewable energy investments and support the Government’s broader strategy to enhance energy efficiency, modernize infrastructure and deliver sustainable and affordable energy.

UNOPS advisors conducted a mapping of EU regulations and Kosovo’s legal acts and institutions related to renewables – providing a critical foundation for drafting of secondary legislation to further support alignment with EU requirements. This review has been critical in identifying gaps and opportunities to enhance the legal framework for renewable energy development in Kosovo.

Next, UNOPS proposed amendments to the Draft Law on Renewables, specifically addressing accreditation and certification of installers for renewable energy systems to meet international standards.

Finally, the K4R programme experts developed a Roadmap for Establishing a Training and Certification System for RES Technology Installers in Kosovo. This document has outlined the importance of accreditation and certification schemes, detailing Kosovo’s legal obligations under the Energy Community and the steps required to integrate these standards into its legal framework. The Roadmap specified the conditions and quality standards for certifying installers of RES technologies such as biomass boilers, solar thermal systems, shallow geothermal systems and heat pumps. It also provided a detailed action plan, including responsibilities of institutions and measures to establish an Accreditation and Certification Scheme, aligned with Article 8 and Annex 4 of EU Directive 2018/2001.

The work of the K4R programme has had a profound impact on advancing Kosovo’s renewable energy sector by strengthening its legislative and institutional framework, supporting Kosovo’s compliance with international legislation and fostering a robust legal foundation for renewable energy development and investment.

The development of the Roadmap for a Training and Certification System for RES Technology Installers promotes high-quality standards in renewable energy installations, ensuring efficiency, safety and reliability. It equips Kosovo with a framework for increased access to sustainable and reliable energy sources through building local expertise, fostering workforce development and ensuring quality in renewable energy installations. These efforts not only increase access to sustainable and reliable energy sources, but they also create economic opportunities through job growth, fostering skills and jobs in the renewable energy sector. Additionally, improved access to reliable and sustainable energy sources enhances energy security, reduces dependency on fossil fuels and supports a cleaner environment.

The assignment contributes to SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy by supporting the drafting of secondary legislation to increase the share of renewable energy in the energy mix and ensure access to clean, affordable energy.

It also supports SDG 13: Climate Action by promoting cleaner energy sources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing climate action through robust regulatory frameworks.