Shtip, 20 September 2023 (MIA) - France's Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade, Economic Attractiveness and French Nationals Abroad Olivier Becht visited Wednesday the location of what will become the Stipion solar photovoltaic power plant, at the cargo plane site, together with Minister of Environment and Physical Planning Kaja Shukova and Shtip Mayor Ivan Jordanov.

The French Minister stated that he was happy to be in Shitp, the place where the French company Akuo is building the largest photovoltaic solar plant in the Western Balkan countries, to help North Macedonia with the energy transition.

"In Shtip we are building a big investment project that will, on the one hand, make the country more energy independent, and on the other, offer better electricity tariffs, but most importantly, we are working to preserve the planet and abandon fossil fuel. EU wants to help North Macedonia and see it become a part of the Union. That is why we participate in all of these projects, especially on this one, which means that we will abandon fossil fuel and turn to renewable energy sources, and France is happy to help North Macedonia," Becht said.

Minister of Environment and Physical Planning Kaja Shukova said that this is one of the projects that is being implemented in the country in accordance with the Law on Strategic Investment.

"Even the Government recognizes this project as a strategic investment. And now, for the project's requirements certain technical things need to be resolved, conditions need to be created so that we can begin its implementation. This is something new for the country, as we are talking about agrivoltaics. Which means that the photovoltaics that will be installed, at a greater distance, can be used to grow certain agricultural crops. In that case, the land will be used not only as a construction site, but also for cultivation," Shukova explained.

Shtip Mayor, Ivan Jordanov, noted that the Stipion photovoltaic power plant is of great significance for Shtip, as an administrative, economic and trade center.

"With this investment, I am sure that Ship will be the first energy center. Because the investment is important from an energy and economy aspect, but also for environmental protection. What is more interesting is that it will contribute to the development of the local economy, improve the energy situation in the country, from the point of view that it will be local workers and firms that will work on the project, which I hope that it will start being implemented as soon as possible. We are constantly communicating with Akuo representatives, and I hope that soon we will finish everything that is left and begin implementing the project, which is of great importance for the entire region, and above all environmental protection," Jordanov stressed.

The Stipion power plant will have a capacity of 400MW of electricity per hour, it is an investment worth several hundred million euros. ssh/sk/

Photo: MIA