The Albanian Power Exchange, ALPEX, which became operational in Albania since March 2023, is set to facilitate a competitive energy market in Albania and Kosovo, enabling consumers to access electricity at more favorable prices.
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Albania and Kosovo will now share a joint electricity exchange, aimed at fostering fair competition and ensuring reliable pricing in the energy sector.
The incorporation of Alpex - the Albanian power exchange established in 2020 - was officially inaugurated on Monday in a ceremony held in Pristina.
Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, described this as a historic moment for both countries' energy sectors, stating that it will play a crucial role in economic development and transparency within the energy sector.
He emphasized that enhancing cross-border cooperation is one of the most effective methods for addressing challenges in the energy sector, particularly in light of recent energy crises.
"Inaugurating ALPEX marks a historic moment for Kosovo's energy sector and our commitment to cooperation with the Republic of Albania. This collaboration plays a role in economic development and transparency in the energy sector, as well as in transforming our energy sector in line with our national energy strategy. In recent years, it has become clear that the energy sector, both in Europe and worldwide, has undergone fundamental changes. Deepening cross-border cooperation is one of the most successful ways to address the challenges and realities of the new era in this sector."
Kurti also highlighted that the joint market creates new business opportunities and that the integration of electricity markets between Kosovo and Albania is a strategic step towards a more efficient energy ecosystem.
Meanwhile, speaking about the significance of this event, the Prime Minister emphasized that through this cooperation, a more favorable environment will be created for attracting foreign investments.
"The joint market provides new business opportunities and even more cross-border trade. The integration of electricity markets between Kosovo and Albania is not only a strategic step towards fostering a more connected and efficient energy ecosystem."
Kurti stated that thanks to bilateral cooperation, both countries have been able to overcome recent energy crises.
"Albania was supplied with ample energy from Kosovo last summer, and the citizens and businesses of Kosovo had a warmer winter thanks to the energy received from Albania. Let us continue to work together to build a sustainable, secure, and prosperous energy environment. Together for regional cooperation, economic development, synergy, transparency, and a robust investment environment in the private sector."
The Ambassador of Albania to Kosovo, Petrit Malaj, described this day as historic for both countries.
"Today was a historic day for the energy sector: the Albanian Electricity Exchange ALPEX became operational, between the Republic of Albania and the Republic of Kosovo."
The Ambassador stated that with this connection, our countries enjoy a trading platform that ensures efficiency, fair competition, and transparency, making the quality of operation of the electricity systems of Albania and Kosovo much stronger.
Meanwhile, in her speech, the Minister of Economy, Artane Rizvanolli, stated that this has been and remains a permanent historical aspiration of Kosovo to make political action in the energy sector in such a way that it sees and appreciates this complementarity and further develops it.
That this union is important is also expressed by the CEO of KOSTT, Evetar Zeqiri, adding that this would not have been achieved without the far-sighted vision of both governments, the endless support of the respective ministries of the two states.
He said that this agreement is the epilogue of a process of reforms over two decades in the energy sector.
Participants in this ceremony also included the director of the USAID mission in Kosovo, Eileen Devitt.
Otherwise, ALPEX is part of the reform undertaken by the Governments of Kosovo and Albania for the reconstruction of the electricity sector, in accordance with the law and government policies for the development of this sector. Within the framework of this cooperation, the two countries recognize ALPEX as the only energy exchange to organize, operate, and hold the market coupling between the electricity markets of Albania and Kosovo one day before and within the day between the electricity markets of Albania and Kosovo.