North Macedonian Solar Plants Raise €25 Million

• EBRD and EU have jointly pledged €30 million financial support for 30 MW solar in North Macedonia
• It will support a 10 MW PV plant on a portion of abandoned coal mine in Oslomej, and 20 MW project near Bitola Thermal Power Plant
• Being executed by state-owned utility ESM, the projects when online are expected to generate around 48 GWh annually

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved €25 million loan for North Macedonia's state-owned electricity company ESM to build 30 MW solar PV capacity in the country, with the European Union (EU) shelling out another €5 million.

Of the solar projects being supported, a 10 MW facility is planned to be located on a portion of now abandoned coal mine of Oslomej Thermal Power Plant. Remaining 20 MW is coming up adjacent to the Bitola Thermal Power Plant. Once online, this 30 MW capacity is expected to generate close to 48 GWh annually.

According to the bank, these projects help in the redevelopment of coal mine sites to decarbonize the national power sector. The Oslomej project is an extension of a 10 MW PV project already located on site (see Europe PV News Snippets).

Calling the 30 MW solar PV capacity it is supporting as a 'very important project' for North Macedonia's energy transition, EBRD's Head of North Macedonia Andi Aranitasi said, "The project will help to address the need for energy security and sustainability in a competitive and affordable manner, through investments that will create high-quality jobs and new business ecosystems, while reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions."

North Macedonia targets to have renewable energy representing 38% of its national electricity supply by 2030. ESM supplies 90% of the country's domestic electricity production from thermal projects, hydropower plants and combined heat and power facilities, as well as a wind project.