Energy independence remains one of the Government’s top strategic priorities, says the Macedonian Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources on the occasion of July 10 – Global Energy Independence Day.
The Ministry points out that concrete steps have been taken in the past period for an energy-independent state, which will produce more domestic, clean and affordable energy, accelerate investments in renewable sources, modernize the energy infrastructure and diversify the sources and routes for supplying energy.
“The results are already visible. According to the latest data from ESM, electricity production from hydroelectric power plants has increased by 76 percent compared to the same period last year, and production from wind power plants has increased by almost 10 percent. At the same time, the filling of the accumulations reaches approximately 80 percent, which represents a significant reserve for stable and reliable supply during periods of increased consumption. In parallel, new investments in production capacities are being made. The second phase of the wind farm in Bogdanci is being intensively built, which will reach an installed capacity of 50 MW this year, activities for the construction of the photovoltaic power plants Bitola 1 and Oslomej 2 have also begun, and preparations for Bitola 2 and Bitola 3 are in an advanced phase,” the Ministry of Energy noted.
The project for the gas interconnector with Greece, which will provide access to new sources of natural gas, is also being intensively implemented, and preparations are underway for the implementation of the gas pipeline interconnector with Serbia, adds the press release.
“Our goal is clear – for Macedonia to become an energy independent country, to produce more domestic, clean and competitive energy. We are developing renewable sources, investing in modern infrastructure and opening new energy corridors, which will strengthen the security of supply. This is not only an economic benefit, but a matter of national security, stability and development. Our ambition is not only to meet domestic needs, but for Macedonia to become a net exporter of electricity,” stressed Energy Minister Sanja Bozhinovska.
