ESM repeats tender for 100 MW solar project in Oslomej coal mine

State-owned power utility Elektrani na Severna Makedonija (ESM) is looking for a partner to install two solar power plants with an installed capacity of 50 MW each, in the form of a public-private partnership.

The first tender for the photovoltaic power plant in the old mines of the mining and power complex REK Oslomej was launched a year ago, but it was unsuccessful.

The new deadline to submit bids is March 12, according to the public call.

North Macedonia plans to shut down the 125 MW Oslomej coal-fired power plant, and to install solar power plants in the abandoned open pits of the lignite mine. It is a part of the move to decarbonize the energy sector and add 400 MW in solar projects.

The subject of the public-private partnership deal is the construction of PV power plant FE Oslomej with an installed capacity of two times 40 MW or a maximum of two times 50MW in the area of lignite mining complex.

In November 2019, ESM signed an agreement with Girişim Elektrik AŞ from Turkey for installing 10 MW in Oslomej. North Macedonia’s government-controlled company is building another PV power plant of the same size in the same area.

Only two bids were submitted in the first tendering

According to the local media, the first tender was unsuccessful because two submitted offers were not valid. More than 40 companies have expressed their intention to send bids but only two actually did.

The first tendering procedure lasted from February to October last year, but now the deadline is much shorter.

North Macedonia plans to launch an auction by the end of March for the construction of solar power plants with an installed capacity totaling 60 MW, backed with feed-in premiums.