Swissa: US interested to deepen co-operation with Kosovo on clean energy

The United States Trade Department is trying to help Kosovo in the area of renewable energy at the time when Kosovo has begun efforts to diversify its electricity sources, which is mainly obtained by coal and while seeking alternative forms of energy storage and production. The International Trade Specialist at the US Department of Commerce told Voice of America that this recent institution invited representatives of the public and private sector from Kosovo to establish contacts with American companies to see if they are interested in investing in Kosovo for the production of clean energy.

Voice of America: Mrs. Sweca, the US Trade Department, hosted a delegation of officials from Kosovo for a programme focusing on co-operation in the area of renewable energy and Kosovo's transition towards production of clean energy. Can you tell us more about this program?

Justyna Sweca: The SABIT programme is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce and the programme has a tradition of nearly 35 years. Its main goal is to bring middle- and high-level officials and professionals to the United States for two weeks. During this time, they have the opportunity to meet with their colleagues from the relevant sectors in government, then associations and the private sector. Through these meetings, they build valuable relationships and learn about the best practices from this industry. Recently, we hosted a delegation from Kosovo, focusing on the field of clean energy.

Voice of America: One of the objectives of the programme is to establish links between American investors and relevant states. Was this one of the goals, and how does this harmonize with the general strategy of engagement of the American government in Kosovo?

Justyna Sweca: It fits completely. Our software funding is done by the State Department, but our office is part of the Department of Commerce, which means our focus is trade. The Trade Department has a long commitment to Kosovo on renewable energy issues, and this programme further strengthens these goals. Kosovo has recently adopted several laws, which are favourable for renewable energy. We hope it will enable American companies to present their technologies and services to the Kosovo market.

Voice of America: Has this happened during the delegation's visit?

Justyna Sweca: Yes, in fact, most meeting participants here were done with companies in the private sector. Our first visit was to California, where they participated in the Re+, the largest activity for pure energy production in North America. They had the opportunity to visit technical sessions, meet with over 1,300 companies present and attend the conference with over 40,000 participants. It was a great opportunity to make contact. As part of the programme, they had the opportunity to visit a power - producing farm through wind turbines. Participants also met with municipal authorities to learn how cities manage renewable energy programmes. But much of this visit was meetings with energy and engineering companies, consultancy companies and energy companies from the private sector to understand how they work here and meet companies and individuals who are very, very interested in creating partnerships and investing in Kosovo.

Voice of America: Does this sector and the Kosovo market show interest in American investors?

Justyna Sweca: Sure. We saw this in particular when we sent the delegation to Aiva to visit and of course you know about the very special relations that Eva has with Kosovo. The delegation was welcomed and we saw great interest from many American companies there to work and partnership with Kosovo participants. They saw great opportunities of co-operation that would not happen without the visit of Kosovo participants.

Voice of America: One of the biggest investments in Kosovo's energy sector for moving towards clean energy is the banking battery system. Has this investment been discussed in Kosovo officials' meetings with American companies and the Department of Commerce?

Justyna Sweca: Yeah, that was pretty current. Since we started programs focused on clean energy in 2022, and so far, we've implemented seven in different geographic areas, this issue has been of great importance. The delegation from Kosovo did the same. All of the technical sessions in California that were focused on the amplifying batteries and the participants of our program were engaged to look for meetings with them.