Providing sustainable energy development is a must, participants in the ‘Energy Challenges of the Republic of Macedonia’ conference conveyed as their key message.
Stefan Peter, chairman of the Board of EVN Macedonia – electricity distribution company, highlighted its investment plans, while Siniša Spasov, general director of MEPSO – transmission system operator, referred to the investment plans, emphasizing the ongoing project for building a transmission line that will connect Macedonia and Serbia, expected to be completed by the end of summer, and the power line that will connect Macedonia with Albania, which in its design phase. Dejan Boškovski, general director of ELEM – largest and state owned electricity producer, cited the investments in progress and the company’s future projects, stressing the revitalization of existing power facilities, opportunities for opening new coal mines, which could supply the existing thermal power plants, but also the plans for building new hydropower plants.
President of the Association of Energy Risto Janevski, director of refinery Okta AD, highlighted the situation in the market of oil products in Macedonia, as well as legislation in this area. Konstantin Dimitrov from Macedonian Center for Energy Efficiency (Macef) briefly addressed the energy efficiency policy and legislation and the challenges that the country faces with in reaching the national energy saving target. He stated that the mandatory energy audits should be postponed until Macedonia joins the European Union. Krste Miladinovski, director of the Macedonian Energy Resources, presented the plans for the development of gasification in the Republic of Macedonia.
The gathering was organized to present relevant information in all areas of the energy sector, thus contributing to sustainable energy sector development, security of supply, and improved legislation on energy efficiency. Every major energy player presented the current status and specific challenges that they or the country will have to deal with in the near future. The conference was organized by the Energy Association within the Economic Chamber of Macedonia. The conference was attended by 50 representatives of energy companies, relevant ministries, regulatory bodies, academia and donor community.
