WHO WE ARE
The USAID Clean Energy Investment Project builds upon and expands the ongoing USAID assistance that has laid the groundwork for developing renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies and industries in Macedonia. The three-year project, initiated in April 2013, will support the Government of Macedonia’s efforts in implementing relevant strategies with the goal to increase investment in energy generation from renewable sources, and reduce Macedonia’s total final energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Picture 1. USAID MD visits photovoltaic fields of SIETO
WHAT WE DO
The USAID Clean Energy Investment Project provides technical assistance and implements a range of activities in the following primary components:
(1) Streamline renewable energy project development and investment processes — activities will be undertaken aimed at improving renewable energy enabling environments.
(2) Establish low-emissions-development planning processes — activities will focus on assisting the Government of Macedonia in improving the legal framework in planning, launching and implementing the low-emissions-development process to advance economic growth, improve environmental management and meet development objectives.
The Project coordinates its activities with other USAID projects and with bilateral and multilateral donors to prevent duplication of efforts, and enable identification of synergistic activities.
Picture 2. Mapping LEDS workshop
WHO WE WORK WITH
The USAID Clean Energy Investment Project works closely with a number of Government of Macedonia ministries and agencies and other stakeholders in achieving the mutual goals. In particular:
- Cabinet of the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs
- Ministry of Economy
- Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning
- Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy
- Energy Agency
- Energy Regulatory Commission
- Macedonian Academy of Science and Arts
- Association of Renewable Energy Producer
Picture 3. Photovoltaic field near Skopje
MAIN PROJECT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Streamlining the Renewable Energy (RE) investment processes – The process of analyzing the present comprehensive legal RE framework was completed, followed by the development of a roadmap with recommendations, proposals and amendments for modifications.
Reducing the length of RE investment process – Implementation of project recommendations have resulted in amendments to three different laws and by-laws, that made it possible to reduce the RE investment process by as much as 12 months.
RE Stakeholders’ Forums – Introduced a new mechanism for public-private dialogue in the RE sector. The Forums, organized quarterly, bring together RE investors, GoM and NGOs to discuss the most relevant RE investment issues and propose solutions.
Second National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) – Provided technical assistance to the MoE in preparing the second NEEAP, as part of an inclusive process and in line with Energy Community Secretariat requirements.
Energy Auditors Training Curriculum – Provided technical assistance in developing a training curriculum for energy auditors, used in the official certification trainings, leading to certification of the first group of energy auditors.
By-laws regulating the process of training, examination and certification of energy auditors – Provided technical assistance to the MoE in drafting new and/or amending 9 by-laws.
Mapping LEDS elements in the national strategic planning – Completed an assessment on inclusion and implementation of a LEDS approach in the GoM strategic planning and recommendations for integration of LEDS into the national sustainable development planning.
Introduction of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System techniques for monitoring forestry changes – Presented new platforms, techniques and software for image procession, interpretation and technical requirements for implementation of Remote Sensing into forest-change monitoring.
Picture 4. First RE Forum
Study on quantification of land-cover changes in Macedonia – The initial quantification of historical land-cover change and associated GHG emissions and removals using global spatial data for 2000-2012.
New Methodology for calculation of the GHG emissions reductions/savings as a result of use of renewables – Drafted and developed a new tool for the use of MoE, required in the frames of the biennial reporting to the Energy Community Secretariat.
Biennial progress report on promotion and use of energy from renewable sources – Provided technical assistance to develop the report that relates to policy and legal actions and measures introduced to promote the use of RE in accordance with the EU Directive 2009/28/EC.
New Energy Balance methodology – Developed a new energy balance methodology harmonized with EUROSTAT, including uniformed questionnaires for collection of energy data. The new methodology was developed by the working group consisting of the MoE, State Statistical office, and Energy Agency representatives.
Amendments to the Energy Law – Provided assistance to draft amendments to incorporate the new energy balance methodology.
Analysis, recommendations and action plan for education for improved/proper combustion and heating in homes – Developed with project assistance including recommendations for improved energy efficiency and reduction of GHG.
