Alex holds a B.Sc. in Geography from Harokopio University of Athens and an M.Sc. in Human Geography and Conflicts from Radboud University in the Netherlands, supported by a scholarship from the I.S. Latsis Foundation. He has experience as a Project Manager on European and regional research projects focused on foreign policy issues in South-East Europe and has contributed to environmental organizations, both professionally and as a volunteer. He is interested in energy policy and the inclusion of vulnerable social groups in the just energy transition.

Policy Project: From Coal to Energy Communities: Energy Transition in Kosovo

“If the energy transition is to be just, it has to be shared.”

Kosovo’s energy transition faces major challenges: heavy reliance on coal, widespread energy poverty, and persistent social inequalities. While the country has drafted a National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) and adopted laws to accelerate renewable energy and promote inclusion, much remains to be done to turn commitments into action.

This short documentary, produced by Alex Koutras, Project Manager at Electra Energy Cooperative and alumnus of DGAP’s Think Tank School 2024, was made possible thanks to the skills and knowledge acquired through the training program. Together with his colleagues, Sandy Fameliari and Ioanna Angelaki, Alex visited Kosovo and the region around its two coal plants, documenting the realities on the ground.

The short documentary captures voices from experts like journalists, academicians and civil society representatives, highlighting both the obstacles and the opportunities for a fair and sustainable energy future. Special attention is given to energy communities as tools for participation, empowerment, democratic governance, and collective action.

The documentary is part of the “Electra Goes Balkan” initiative, funded by the European Climate Foundation (ECF) and supported by the LIFE LOOP and COMET projects of Electra Energy Cooperative. The participation of Alex Koutras in DGAP’s Think Tank School, was supported by ELIAMEP (Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy).

Find the documentary here in Englisch and here in Albanian.