Digital Technologies for Modernizing Coal-Based Power Systems in Kosovo

Session

Energy Efficiency Engineering

Description

Kosovo continues to rely heavily on lignite for its electricity generation, making coal a dominant and unavoidable part of its energy landscape for the foreseeable future. Rather than pursuing an abrupt replacement, this paper advocates for the modernization of existing coal infrastructure through digital technologies that enhance efficiency, reduce emissions, and improve operational transparency. Smart monitoring, predictive maintenance, and real-time control systems are emphasized as cost-effective solutions to improve the performance of current power plants. At the same time, these digital upgrades lay the foundation for the gradual integration of renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind, into the power system. This dual approach recognizes the short-term necessity of coal while strategically preparing the sector for a more sustainable and diversified energy mix in the long term. The paper presents a set of realistic, data-driven strategies tailored to Kosovo’s present energy challenges and future ambitions, highlighting the importance of digital modernization as a bridge toward sustainability.

Keywords:

Coal power, digital solutions, energy modernization, emission reduction, renewable readiness, Kosovo

Proceedings Editor

Edmond Hajrizi

ISBN

978-9951-982-41-2

Location

UBT Lipjan, Kosovo

Start Date

25-10-2025 9:00 AM

End Date

26-10-2025 6:00 PM

DOI

10.33107/ubt-ic.2025.148

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Oct 25th, 9:00 AM Oct 26th, 6:00 PM

Digital Technologies for Modernizing Coal-Based Power Systems in Kosovo

UBT Lipjan, Kosovo

Kosovo continues to rely heavily on lignite for its electricity generation, making coal a dominant and unavoidable part of its energy landscape for the foreseeable future. Rather than pursuing an abrupt replacement, this paper advocates for the modernization of existing coal infrastructure through digital technologies that enhance efficiency, reduce emissions, and improve operational transparency. Smart monitoring, predictive maintenance, and real-time control systems are emphasized as cost-effective solutions to improve the performance of current power plants. At the same time, these digital upgrades lay the foundation for the gradual integration of renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind, into the power system. This dual approach recognizes the short-term necessity of coal while strategically preparing the sector for a more sustainable and diversified energy mix in the long term. The paper presents a set of realistic, data-driven strategies tailored to Kosovo’s present energy challenges and future ambitions, highlighting the importance of digital modernization as a bridge toward sustainability.