Skopje, 9 May 2023 (MIA) - Accelerated energy transition is the key for larger economic growth in the region, while production of clean green energy will produce new jobs, the Government's energy advisor Viktor Andonov told a panel discussion within the Belgrade Energy Forum (BEF) on Tuesday.

Andonov, Power Plants of North Macedonia (ESM) director Vasko Stefanov and thermal power plant (TEC) Negotino director Nebojsha Stojanovikj took part at the forum that brings together over 400 energy experts from 28 countries, including ministers and senior government officials from the region and Southeast Europe, as well as representatives of energy companies, who discussed the energy future.

"The energy crisis taught us that accurately targeted goals and a precise plan and tempo of implementation yield results, as showed by the past heating season. We now need a plan where energy policies will show the path to accelerated energy transition that is a reality in North Macedonia. Over the past 16 months, North Macedonia has issued licenses for 428 power plants using renewable energy sources, with a capacity almost equalling one bloc of power-mining complex (REK) Bitola, or enough to meet the requirements of ten cities in the country," said Andonov.

ESM's Stefanov said they focus on development projects, whereas the company's human and production capacities in mobilized to the maximum.

"We secured electricity and heating energy for the entire winter season and we are now focusing on the next one. Investments in renewable energy sources is a path that has no alternative," said Stefanov.

TEC Negotino's Stojanovikj noted that the state acted in a strategic way and connected the plant in the grid after 12 years.

"It is very important to maintain these capacities and engage them when necessary, such as the case with the energy crisis. We worked all these years to make sure the facility is prepared when necessary," said Stojanovikj.

At the BEF sidelines, Andonov met with Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedović and Energy Community Secretariat Director Artur Lorkowski, discussing the importance of regional cooperation, joint approach and support from the EU for successful transition to electricity production from renewables sources, the Government said in a press release.