Minister of energy, mining and mineral resources Sanja Bozhinovska opened the fifth Annual Solar Conference, organized by the Macedonian Solar Association – Solar Macedonia, which brings together companies, investors and experts from the renewable energy sector.
Addressing the participants, Bozhinovska said that solar energy is no longer the future, but the present of Macedonia’s energy sector, while emphasizing that the next phase must bring greater order, planning and predictability.
“We cannot build renewable energy capacities faster than the grid can safely accommodate them. With the new regulatory framework and annual plans, Macedonia is creating a predictable investment environment and a secure energy system. We plan ahead, prepare the grid and create the conditions for new investments to be truly functional and sustainable,” Bozhinovska said.
She pointed out that the new legal framework for energy and renewable energy sources establishes rules for a fairer and more predictable investment environment, while at the same time providing greater protection for the energy system.
As the Minister emphasized, a particularly important new mechanism is the annual energy infrastructure development plans, through which it will be determined in advance where, when and what types of new capacities can be developed, in line with the actual capabilities of the grid.
“We want to put an end to the approach of ‘build first, then look for a solution for the grid.’ Alongside new solar and wind capacities, the Ministry is working on strengthening and digitalizing the transmission and distribution grids, as well as on the development of battery storage. The future of renewable energy sources is not only about how much energy we produce, but also about how intelligently we use and store it,” the Minister emphasized.
Bozhinovska also noted that Macedonia is preparing for the next generation of energy technologies. With the first comprehensive Hydrogen Study and new energy infrastructure, planning is being carried out with future technologies in mind. As an example, she pointed to the gas interconnector with Greece, which has been designed with the possibility of future transportation of green hydrogen.
Bozhinovska also sent a clear message to investors that the country remains open to new investments in the energy sector, but that these investments must be developed within a framework of clear and equal rules.
“The door is open, but the rules must be clear and equal for everyone. Our task is to create a system in which sound investments have security, the state maintains control over its energy system, and citizens receive secure and affordable energy. Let us build Macedonia’s energy sector – with more sunshine, more investment, a stronger grid and a clear plan for the future,” Bozhinovska said.
With regards,
Ministry of energy, mining and mineral resources
