Kosovo is exploring the possibility of using liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States in the future, acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti said on Wednesday.
Kurti made the statement during the foundation ceremony for a 105-megawatt solar park in Rahovec, southwestern Kosovo.
He said Kosovo aims to use coal more responsibly while also examining options to introduce US LNG through cooperation with Albania and the Vlora Thermal Power Plant.
“For the future, we aim to use coal more responsibly, with a focus on gasification, and we are considering the possibility of using liquefied natural gas from the United States through cooperation with Albania at the Vlora power plant,” Kurti said.
The Kosovo government has faced continued calls from the US Embassy in Pristina, business organizations, and opposition parties to join regional US LNG projects.
However, Kurti and Economy Minister Artane Rizvanolli have previously said Kosovo sees coal gasification as a possible alternative to LNG imports.
Kosovo still produces around 90% of its electricity from coal, while renewable sources such as hydropower, wind, and solar provide about 10%. The country also relies on electricity imports, especially during peak winter and summer demand.
Meanwhile, the American Chamber of Commerce and the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce have warned that rejecting regional LNG projects could negatively affect Kosovo’s partnership with the United States.
They argue that joining regional LNG infrastructure projects would improve Kosovo’s energy security, diversify supply sources, and attract more investment.
The debate has intensified after US Chargé d’Affaires in Pristina Anu Prattipati called on Kosovo to establish a long-term energy partnership with the United States through American LNG.
Energy experts say the US is encouraging Western Balkan countries to strengthen energy security and reduce vulnerability to external influence, including Russia’s role in the energy sector.
Several Western Balkan countries, including Albania, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, have already signed agreements with US companies and Washington to expand gas infrastructure.
/a.c/
The post Kurti: Kosovo considers using US liquefied natural gas in the future appeared first on RTSH English.
