Belgrade, 30 November 2021 (MIA) - The government is actively working on energy transition into green energy, i.e., the use of sun, wind and water to gradually change the production of electricity from coal to renewable sources, and one of its priorities is to ensure a secure energy supply, economic growth and green economy, Minister of Economy Kreshnik Bekteshi said attending the 19th Ministerial Council of the Energy Community (EC) in Belgrade.

He presented the successful results, particularly in the practical implementation of the first bids for awarding premium tariffs for the construction of photovoltaic power plants, a process that was welcomed by all international institutions, MIA's Belgrade correspondent reported.

The Minister said that 60 megawatts of photovoltaic power plants are already under construction through premium tariffs, and 100 megawatts in Oslomej through a public-private partnership that will replace the coal-fired power plan near Kichevo.

“The first photovoltaic power plant of ESM in Oslomej of 10 megawatts is ready, so it is about 170 megawatts of solar power plants or 10 times more than the 17 megawatts built in the previous 11 years. With the construction of two 50-megawatt power plants in Oslomej for private investors, as well as two 10-megawatt ESM own investment, we are making the first energy transition of a coal-fired power plant to a photovoltaic power plant, which is an example for other countries in the Western Balkans and Southeast Europe," Bekteshi said.

We have adopted, he added, the Law on Strategic Investments, according to which several serious investors will already implement large projects for strategic investments such as "WPD" from Germany for the construction of a 415 MW wind power plant, "EFT Group" for the construction of an 80 MW photovoltaic power plant, Akuo Energy from France for the construction of the largest solar park of 350-400 MW in the country.

"For us, it is an indicator that we have successfully implemented the reforms, we have passed the necessary legislation and we have created conditions for investment, that is the essence of the existence of governments and administration, to create fair conditions for all," said Minister Bekteshi.

The application of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency is a work within the implementation of the Green Deal of the European Union which has a clear goal - a climate neutral and more resilient Europe by 2050.

Our country, he added, also supports the European Green Deal for sustainable economy by turning climate and environmental challenges into opportunities and making the transition fair and inclusive for all.

At the meeting, chaired by Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Zorana Mihajlovic, there were discussions on several energy topics covered by the Energy Community Treaty, including the status of implementation of the Agreement in the areas of electricity, natural gas, renewable energy sources, climate, energy efficiency and the environment. In the end, Artur Lokovski was appointed the new director of the Energy Community Secretariat by voting of all countries.

After the Ministerial meeting, Bekteshi had a bilateral meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia and Minister of Mining and Energy Zorana Mihajlovic.

At the meeting, the support of the two countries for increasing the cooperation in the energy sector through regional connection projects was expressed. Minister Bekteshi stressed that the increase of bilateral cooperation between Northern Macedonia and Serbia is crucial for the growth of the economies of the two countries. dk/ba/