THE ROLE OF COAL IN THE KOSOVO BASIN IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF GREEN TRANSITION AGENDA
Ahmet BYTYÇI, Idaver HUSEINI, Nexhmi KRASNIQI
Abstract
The era we live in is characterized by high and often inefficient energy consumption, driven by the intensification of human activities, which frequently leads to the irrational and unsustainable exploitation of energy resources. The sharp increase in energy consumption is a direct consequence of the rapid advancement of science and technology, which has enabled the expansion of industry—one of the most energy-intensive sectors of the modern economy. This growing demand for energy has significantly contributed to environmental pollution and has disrupted natural ecological balances. Consequently, this situation has raised awareness within the international community and national organizations regarding the urgent need for a more sustainable and rational approach to energy use, guided by the principle that 'no form of energy is more expensive than its absence.'
From a practical standpoint, human survival is closely tied to the ability to harness energy from natural resources. However, today we find ourselves in a paradoxical situation: while technological progress has been significant, it has not yet reached the level necessary to fully address the environmental consequences of uncontrolled industrial growth. It is worth emphasizing that energy and time share a common trait—they can only be used once and cannot be recycled.
Many scientists argue that, although sufficient energy resources exist, the real challenge lies in the lack of knowledge and technology required to utilize them efficiently and sustainably. In this context, the European Union has taken concrete steps to promote the Green Transition Agenda, which calls for a comprehensive review of energy generation technologies based on fossil fuels, under the guiding principle of decarbonization. This implies a commitment from all member states and candidate countries to declare their intention to phase out coal-fired power generation, in response to the environmental impacts of emissions—particularly the well-known 'greenhouse effect.'
This transition has been framed to culminate by the year 2050, with the closure and decommissioning of coal-based thermal power plants. The Republic of Kosovo has responded to this agenda through its Energy Strategy 2022–2031, which clearly outlines its commitment to implementing the process of decarbonization and fulfilling the objectives of the Green Transition Agenda by 2050
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