An ambitious promise

In accordance with the Sofia Declaration, the Western Balkan states – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia – committed themselves to becoming climate neutral by 2050. But there is still a long way to go from vision to reality. The biggest challenge? Converting the energy sector from fossil fuels to renewable energies – while strengthening security of supply and competitiveness through innovation.

Germany stands by the region as a partner. As part of the Germany-Western Balkans Climate Partnership, the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) funded the project ‘Green Agenda: Decarbonising the Electricity Sector in the Western Balkans’. The German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) was responsible for the practical implementation.

Scientific support for the energy transition

Together with its partners EERA Consulting, DLR Institute for Networked Energy Systems and Marcus Merkel Expertise, OFFIS provided scientific support for the energy transition. But what did that mean in concrete terms? The consortium worked on solutions to key challenges of the energy transformation:

• Is the region ready for change? The team assessed how well the Western Balkan countries were prepared for the energy transition – technically, economically and organisationally.
• Roadmaps for the electricity grids: Tailor-made strategies were developed for regional distribution network operators to enable them to better integrate renewable energies into the grid.
• Smart electricity meters on the rise: How can smart meters be introduced across the board? We examined strategies for the systematic expansion of this important technology.
• Better communication between grid operators: In order for electricity from wind and solar power to flow optimally, local and supraregional grid operators must work together perfectly. The consortium recommended standards for data exchange.
• Connecting green energy projects to the grid: Complex issues arise when large solar or wind farms are to be connected to the electricity grid. The team analysed connection applications and identified possible solutions.
• Integrating battery storage correctly: Storage systems are the key to a stable electricity supply from renewable energies. The partners made recommendations for the legal framework.
• Financing the energy transition: The transformation costs money. The consortium identified where the financing bottlenecks lie and how these hurdles can be overcome.

Learning from each other

In workshops and peer exchange formats, the consortium established constructive cooperation with decision-makers, grid operators and other relevant stakeholders throughout the region. In doing so, it drew on international experience and integrated best practices and key insights into its work.

‘Through this open and cooperative dialogue, we have strengthened trust and helped the countries of the Western Balkans to recognise the opportunities offered by renewable energies and smart technologies,’ explained Dr Jirapa Kamsamrong, who provided scientific support for the project on behalf of OFFIS.

A building block for Europe's energy future

The work in the Western Balkans was more than a regional project. It shows how international cooperation can advance the energy transition – with scientific expertise, practical solutions and the will to make a difference together. The close partnership between the Western Balkan countries and Germany is an important step on the road to a climate-neutral Europe.

About the project The project ‘Green Agenda: Decarbonising the Electricity Sector in the Western Balkans’ was funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ). The consortium consisted of EERA Consulting, DLR VE, Marcus Merkel Expertise and OFFIS.

Contact Dr.-Ing. Jirapa Kamsamrong