Empowering Young Leaders in Kosovo’s Energy Transition

Why was the Energy Hub created?

Kosovo’s green transition depends on developing the next generation of professionals who can plan, manage, and advance renewable energy initiatives. In 2024, under the Community Development Fund’s EECSOK project, the Balkan Green Foundation (BGF) launched the first cohort of the Energy Hub to build this capacity among university students and future engineers.

What did the program involve?

The Hub brought together 30 students from the University of Prishtina’s engineering faculties for a three-day training on integrating renewable energy into Kosovo’s electricity network. National experts guided participants through the details of solar, wind, and hydropower development, that also included discussion on practical challenges of grid integration. The training encouraged problem-solving, applied learning, and collaboration among various engineering faculties.

How did participants experience it?

Students described the training as both technically and personally valuable.
“I learned how renewable energy can strengthen energy security while protecting the environment,” reflected Shkëmb Balaj, a student of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
For Rina Tejeci, from the Faculty of Civil Engineering, the key takeaway was the importance of working across disciplines to accelerate Kosovo’s energy transition.

What has the impact been so far?

The skills gained are already translating into real opportunities. Two of the 2024 Hub participant had begun internship with a solar energy company, applying the knowledge in practice and gaining experience in project implementation. The Hub’s design ensures that learning continues beyond the initial training: in 2025, members of this cohort had trained around 100 technical high school students on relevant topics. 

What happens next?

The Energy Hub is not a one-time initiative. The project will continue  to support establishing new cohorts in the coming years, creating a growing network of young professionals equipped to contribute to Kosovo’s sustainable energy future. Each cohort will reinforce the next, helping to broaden awareness and strengthen local capacity in renewable energy solutions and support build the professional foundation required for Kosovo’s long-term energy transformation.