The German state-owned development bank KfW is providing a 55-million-euro loan to the North Macedonian state-owned electricity company AD ESM for the implementation of two renewable projects: the Bitola 2 photovoltaic power plant and the second phase of the Bogdanci wind farm. The former will receive 47.3 million euros and the latter 7.7 million.
The Bitola 2, which is set to be completed in 2027, will produce up to 90 (gigawatt-hours) GWh per year, enough to supply 20,000 households.
“The new power plants will enable us to increase domestic production of green electricity and accelerate our path towards full energy independence,” said Lazo Uzunchev, General Director of AD ESM. “These capacities will also help us achieve European standards for greenhouse gas emissions more quickly, ensuring a healthy environment and cleaner air for our citizens. Economically, the green energy produced through the new capacities will make exported domestic products more competitive due to alignment with the CBAM regulation for carbon taxes, i.e. carbon border adjustment.”
“Germany supports North Macedonia’s energy transition not only because it benefits the climate, but also because an independent and sustainable energy supply serves economic development,” said Petra Drexler, The German ambassador to North Macedonia. “We live in a connected world. What is beneficial for the citizens of North Macedonia is also beneficial for us in Germany and across Europe. We will continue to nurture our cooperation with North Macedonia because we are convinced that everyone ultimately benefits from partnership cooperation.”
The North Macedonian Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources, Sanja Bozhinovska, also held a working meeting with representatives of KfW Bank, where they discussed opportunities for future investments in the energy sector, as well as the bank’s support in transforming AD ESM into a profitable and modern company. During the meeting, KfW representatives reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation with North Macedonia in the field of sustainable energy.