An analytic framework to assess future electricity options in Kosovo. (13th October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kittner, Noah; Dimco, Hilda; Azemi, Visar; Tairyan, Evgenia; Kammen, Daniel M
• Is Part Of: Environmental research letters. Volume 11:Number 10(2016:Oct.)
• Publication Date: 2016-10-13
• Subjects: electricity supply and demand -- Kosovo -- coal financing -- sustainable electricity -- electricity pathways -- South East Europe -- economies in transition; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Human ecology -- Research -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; 333.7
• DOI: 10.1088/1748-9326/11/10/104013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1748-9326

Abstract

Abstract: We have developed an analytic platform to analyze the electricity options, costs, and impacts for Kosovo, a nation that is a critical part of the debate over centralized versus distributed electricity generation and the role of fossil fuels versus cleaner electricity options to meet growing demands for power. We find that a range of alternatives exists to meet present supply constraints all at a lower cost than constructing a proposed 600 MW coal plant. The options include energy efficiency measures, combinations of solar PV, wind, hydropower, and biomass, and the introduction of natural gas. A 30 EUR ton –1 shadow price on CO2 increases costs of coal generation by at least 330 million EUR. The results indicate that financing a new coal plant is the most expensive pathway to meet future electricity demand.