22nd June 2023, Tirana – Green transition is among the high priorities in the Government’s Work Program of the Republic of North Macedonia, which has proven to be of crucial importance especially in times of energy crisis. Over the past period, the Government has vigorously and profoundly committed to investments in the energy sector, all to the end of successful energy transition to ensure stable supply of energy products, sustainability of the energy system, at prices acceptable for all citizens and businesses, This was pointed out by Deputy Minister of Finance, Filip Nikoloski in his opening remarks at the Annual Meeting of the CEF Governing Board in Tirana covering the topic “Green Transition”.
“The crisis has emphasized the need for energy independence.
Promptly undertaken steps, vigilant monitoring of the developments and well-planned overall generation process at the national capacities contributed to successfully get through the heating season and whole of the crisis period, being exceptionally significant for our country.
Installing photovoltaic power plants has been considered to be the most suitable fast-tracking solution, whereby the requirements for installing such power plants were eased therefor. In addition, for a period of 17 month, the Energy and Water Services Regulatory Commission has issued licenses to almost 500 (power plants for generation of electricity from renewables with a total installed capacity of 246.9 MW. As a result, more and more companies and factories in the country generate electricity themselves, thus ensuring not only safe supply, but also lower electricity costs.“ – Deputy Minister Nikoloski pointed out.
Besides the new investments, Government has undertaken steps, which have contributed to increased electricity generation by the national energy capacities, by re-commissioning TPP Negotino, with TPP Bitola and TPP Oslomej working with their full capacity. Moreover, ESM (Macedonian Power Plants) entirely accommodated the needs of the households and the business on the regulated market, whereby the import of electricity was also reduced, translating into around EUR 100 million saving.
Support to the citizens to cope with the energy crisis extended by the Government has amounted to around EUR 400 million so far. Due to the uncertainty, additional EUR 225 million is projected as Budget funds to cope with the energy crisis.
“We are committed to developing and building a safe, efficient, eco-friendly and competitive energy system in support of a sustainable economic growth of the country. Therefore, Government of the Republic of North Macedonia plans to make long-term investments in green transition, among which HPP Cebren, revitalization and modernization of the major hydropower plants, TPP Bitola and TPP Oslomej, wind farms and similar” – Nikoloski said.
Investments in green transition are also set as a priority in the Growth Acceleration Plan, envisaging introduction of new financial instruments – green bond, intended specifically to support these green projects, as well as establishment of Energy Efficiency Fund within the Development Bank of North Macedonia.
CEF is an international organization seated in Ljubljana, Slovenia, whose mission is to support the development of the capacities of finance officials in Southeast Europe through learning. At the Annual Meeting, the Board approved CEF’s 2022 Annual Report, thereby also considering the topics related to both the governance and the respective programme. Meeting was attended by top officials from Ministries of Finance and Central Banks of CEF Member Countries.
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