On the margins of the Second Ministerial Summit of the four countries – Macedonia, Bulgaria, Greece and Serbia – Minister of energy, mining and mineral resources Sanja Bozhinovska held a bilateral meeting with Bulgarian Minister of energy Iva Petrova.
The meeting was held in the “Macedonian Room” at the Palace of Serbia in Belgrade and was attended by representatives of the Ministry of energy, mining and mineral resources, MEPSO and NOMAGAS, as well as senior representatives and executives of major energy companies and entities from Bulgaria.
The discussions focused on deepening bilateral relations in the energy sector, with an emphasis on concrete projects, exchange of experience and opportunities for joint activities.
One of the topics discussed was battery energy storage systems. The Macedonian side expressed interest in Bulgaria’s experience with regard to technical solutions, regulation, financing and the implementation of such projects. The Bulgarian side expressed its readiness to share its experience, expertise and technical know-how with Macedonian institutions and companies.
The continuation of the cooperation already initiated to improve the integration of the electricity markets and enhance cross-border electricity trade was also discussed.
Energy poverty was another topic addressed at the meeting, with the two sides exchanging experiences on measures and policies that can contribute to ensuring more affordable and secure energy for citizens.
The ministers exchanged views on the future energy plans and projects of the two countries and their alignment with regional priorities. The possibility of jointly approaching international financial institutions and donors to secure funding for strategic and regionally significant energy projects was also considered.
The discussions also covered new technologies in the energy sector, as well as opportunities for stronger cooperation between companies and institutions from the two countries. In this context, the importance of cooperation between MEPSO, NOMAGAS and MEMO and their respective partners in Bulgaria was emphasized, with the aim of exchanging knowledge and experience and developing concrete activities.
Discussions also covered the East-West Initiative, which envisages the construction of an additional interconnection between the Macedonian and Bulgarian electricity transmission systems, as well as future upgrades and enhancements to the existing interconnection between Macedonia and Greece.
The implementation of these infrastructure projects, together with other ongoing and planned energy projects, will enable better regional connectivity and increased transmission capacity, thereby creating greater opportunities for electricity exchange.
The meeting highlighted that the implementation of the East–West Initiative and other strategic energy projects will contribute to strengthening Macedonia’s role in the regional energy system by improving market connectivity and enhancing security of supply.
Both sides highlighted the potential for further regional integration, the exchange of expertise and joint investments, with the aim of creating a more secure and stable energy system in Macedonia, Bulgaria and the wider region.
With regards,
Ministry of energy, mining and mineral resources
