Kovačevski: North Macedonia to add as much as 300 MW in solar power by end-2023

Photovoltaics and wind power offer the best trajectory for the energy transition of North Macedonia, Prime Minister Dimitar Kovačevski, who also heads the ruling SDSM party, said at a rally in Gostivar. “We expect between 200 and 300 MW in solar power plants to be included in the system by the end of 2023,” he stated.

The Government of North Macedonia is persistently working to support households and companies during the energy crisis, Prime Minister Dimitar Kovačevski said. Speaking at a gathering in Gostivar in the country’s west in the capacity of the president of the ruling party, Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM), he noted that all households and 72,000 small electricity consumers receive subsidies of up to 80% of the real price.

Kovačevski pointed out that schools and healthcare facilities also get cheaper electricity and that food producers are the next group to get government aid. At the same time, there are massive investments in energy, he stressed.

All households and 72,000 small electricity consumers receive subsidies of up to 80% of the real price

“We expect between 200 and 300 MW in solar power plants to be included in the system by the end of 2023. After 30 years and many unsuccessful attempts, the implementation of the Čebren hydropower plant project will finally begin, a strategic project of several decades, with an estimated investment of EUR 800 million. The energy transition towards the production of clean, green energy from the Macedonian sun, from wind and from renewable sources is the best direction,” Kovačevski stated.

The construction of a 100 MW solar power plant in the coal and power complex of REK Oslomej is beginning, he underscored. Furthermore, French company Akuo will build the Stipion 400 MW photovoltaic system and develop agriculture at the same time, according to Kovačevski.

The installation of 100 MW in solar power is beginning in REK Oslomej, Kovačevski announced

He highlighted another project with a strategic investment status, the Virovi wind power plant, under development by wpd from Germany. Contracts have been signed for solar power plants with 130 MW in combined capacity, Kovačevski said. He expressed confidence that wind turbines of 25 MW in total would be put into operation soon in Sveti Nikole, apparently referring to private wind power project Bogoslovec, which is under construction.

Saying that he worked in management for 22 years and that he knows finance and economics well, Kovačevski told the audience that the situation would substantially improve next year.