North Macedonia’s ESM seeks contractor for solar power project on coal land

North Macedonian state-owned power utility Elektrani na Severna Makedonija published a call for a contractor. The selected company would build two solar power facilities, of 10 MW and 20 MW in capacity, in two areas with coal mines and thermal power plants.

Continuing the efforts that earned it the title of the most successful country in the Western Balkans in the replacement of coal power with photovoltaics, North Macedonia is advancing a photovoltaic project. Government-controlled power utility ESM is about to bolster its portfolio with another two units. A call is on until January 17 for a contractor for facilities in both coal complexes in the country – REK Oslomej and REK Bitola.

Firms interested in the project need to register and log in at the EBRD Client e-Procurement Portal (ECEPP) to access documentation. It is a two-stage tender.

Three solar power plants already in operation within REK Oslomej coal complex

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development approved a loan of up to EUR 25 million more than three years ago for the endeavor. The lender’s data shows ESM is repaying the debt for the 30 MW project.

The contractor would be responsible for the design, procurement, construction and grid connection. The investment consists of Oslomej 2 (of 10 MW, already under construction, and the Bitola PV facility, of 20 MW in connection capacity.

North Macedonia was the first in the region to commission a solar power plant on a former coal mine, in 2022. There is one under construction in Serbia while Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo* are preparing to build such PV units.

In the meantime, private partners completed two major facilities within the REK Oslomej area. There are more projects lined up for REK Bitola as well.

North Macedonia has almost as much PV capacity as rest of Western Balkans

The latest data shows the country is nearing 800 MW in solar power. The Western Balkans overall are picking up speed in expansion, but North Macedonia now likely hosts almost as much PV capacity as the rest of the region put together.

Of note, ESM appointed new management in August.