A case study on solar, wind and hydro energy resource potential of Prizren region in Kosovo

Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Department of Manufacturing and Civil Engineering, 2815 Gjøvik, Norway

^* Corresponding author: shiplu.sarker@ntnu.no

Abstract

Prizren is a city located in the south part of Kosovo with approximately 90,000 inhabitants and land area of 640 km². The region is covered with distinct geographical features, that favor penetration and deployment of various forms of renewable energy. Particularly, solar, wind and hydro energy potential are considered to be the most available options here. In this study, the potential of these renewable energy sources and their viability for energy production are evaluated using a computational modeling tool. The potential investment opportunities are analyzed based on a 50-year life time project. The results suggest that integrating renewable energy to the existing energy system will enable Prizren region and partly the entire Kosovo for coping with load fluctuations in energy demand. Also, it is expected that the added renewable energy in the existing energy mix will, in a broad perspective, lead to meet the European Union’s target of accelerated renewable energy penetration by the year 2030, and in turn to reduce the greenhouse gas emission to the environment.