Musliu, AdemShabani, MilazimBaftiu, Naim2026-09-112026-09-112026-08-061313-9940https://doi.uni-plovdiv.bg/handle/store/1107Air and water pollution, along with heavy metal contamination, constitute some of the most pressing environmental issues affecting Kosovo. In recent years, the overall environmental situation in the region has deteriorated due to increased construction, traffic, and industrial pollution. This includes emissions from power plants and household heating during winter. Integrating sustainability into strategic energy planning is imperative for security policies and is well within the reach of emerging economies like Kosovo. The outdated technology and lack of effective regulations for air emissions from the two thermal power plants - Kosova A and Kosova B - have led to significantly higher stack emissions compared to coal plants in Western Europe. The specific impacts on vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and those living close to the Obiliq power plants, have not been adequately studied. The construction of the new coal power plant - Kosovo C, represents a step forward in the energy sector but raises concerns about carbon dioxide emissions as a greenhouse gas pollutant. Currently, most energy production in Kosovo relies heavily on water usage across various power plants. Efforts are being made to reduce the environmental impact of Kosova A and Kosova B by decreasing dust, sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions. It is crucial to shift towards producing green energy through sources like solar, water, and wind power to significantly mitigate these environmental challenges.enenvironmental pollutionpower plantsemissionsgreen energyEnvironmental risks from thermal power plants that use coal as raw material for a long time – a case study from KosovoArticle