District Heating (DH) systems in Kosovo* are limited to only four municipalities (Prishtina, Gjakova, Mitrovica and Zvecan), accounting for 3 to 5% of the heating of spaces. Other cities, like Peja, Prizren, Ferizaj and Gjilan do not have DH systems, despite their large urbanised areas with collective residential buildings. In Mitrovica and Zveçan, obsolete thermal systems need comprehensive rehabilitation in order to expand services to new and planned buildings, as the demand for connection is continuously increasing.
Given these challenges, WBIF has financed the preparation of a Feasibility Study including a Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) and an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) to help Kosovo determine rehabilitation and upgrade possibilities of the existing DH system capacity and construction of new capacities. The scope of support included the municipalities of Gjilan, Ferizaj, Prizren, Peja, Drenas, Obiliq/Kastriot, Mitrovica and Zveçan.
* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence