International conference Energetika 2016, organized by the Macedonian Energy Association (ZEMAK), was held in Ohrid, a town in country’s south-west, with participants from Macedonia, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy, Russia and Sweden.

Participants at the conference discussed energy production and management issues regarding energy prospects for the Balkans.

“Energy production remains a key part of the economic growth of each country. ELEM continues to invest significantly in energy production and in reconstruction of existing facilities, such as the third stage of REK Bitola’s reconstruction, modernizing existing hydro plants, the Bogdanci wind power park and other facilities”, said Hristijan Mickoski, manager at ELEM, Macedonian state-owned utility.

ELEM plans to modernize the existing Oslomej coal fired plant near Kičevo, and also to investigate coal deposits near Pehčevo and Delčevo, for the production of a new plant. Recently, ELEM also signed feasibility study for Vardar Valley energy project.

“Attention should also be paid to renewable sources, with a goal towards having all energy production fully renewable by 2050. This would require significant investments, but would also bring new, green jobs and benefits for the entire society”, said professor Konstantin Dimitrov, explaining that Macedonia is moving forward with a new energy production facilities, including gasification program.