CNVP in Kosovo in cooperation with the municipality of Gjakova, organized the round table "Investment Opportunities in the establishment of biomass-based heating systems" to discuss challenges and opportunities following the technical, economic, legal and institutional aspect for the use of wood biomass (chips) for renewable energy. Participants were the mayors of municipalities, representatives from heating plant in Gjakova, National Association of Private Forest Owners and CNVP international experts.

The purpose of this round table was to discuss the existing initiatives and best practices, aiming to provide an integrated approach for case studies already done for some potential municipalities on decentralized heating systems based on wood biomass, and to promote the increase of biomass market at the regional/local level through the development of sustainable biomass supply chain.

Taking in consideration the global energy crisis, this event aimed to encourage discussions around sustainable solutions related to energy issues and find new alternatives for the sustainable use of our forests.

Participants had the opportunity to get more information on quality management and function of heating systems based on wood biomass which are operating in Austria.  The best practices were shown by the experts including discussions on funding opportunities, while showing the importance of replacing the existing heating plants and also the opportunity Municipalities have to exploit the potential of biomass in municipal areas and use it for heating of their town.With this action it will gain better efficiency of biomass use and lower air polution in the municipality

CNVP also presented case studies done by previous SSPDF project for eight municipalities in Kosovo, which show that most of the municipatities have potential for setting up heating systems based on the use of wood chips

The event was combined with the visit to the biomass heating plant in Gjakova, which is generating clean energy and it is a model for the region.

These activities were organized in the framework of the project "Sustainable use of natural resources for environment and economic development" (SUNREED), financed by the Embassy of Sweden in Pristina/Sida. The project aims to contribute to increasing income from sustainably managed private forests with a focus on adaptation to climate change and biodiversity and engagement in forest product market systems by developing a market system for wood biomass (wood chips).