With a focus on accelerating energy reforms and coordination with international partners, a meeting of the Sectoral working group on energy, organized by the Ministry of energy, mining and mineral resources, was held today in the Ceremonial Hall of the Government. The event was attended by the key institutions from the energy sector, the donor community, international financial institutions and development partners.
The focus of the meeting was placed on the exchange of experiences, donor coordination, review of implemented activities and determination of priorities for the next cycle of reforms.
During the meeting, activities referring to alignment with European legislation, the internal energy market, implementation of the Reform agenda and the progress in preparing the National energy and climate plan (NECP) were presented.
MEPSO, ESM and MEMO reported on the development of the projects in their areas, including market coupling process, improvement of supply security, modernization of the transmission grid and research and innovation in cooperation with the academic community.
Minister Sanja Bozhinovska sent a strong message about the direction in which the sector is moving, emphasizing that the period of delays and improvisations is ended.
„We are building energy system that offers stability, trust and sustainability. The new Energy law, investments in renewable sources and active cooperation with international partners are key tools with which we accelerate reforms and prepare the country for its energy future”, minister Bozhinovska emphasized.
She added that preparations are underway for a series of new investments in solar and wind capacities, modernization of grid infrastructure, as well as digitalization of processes that are crucial for transparency and efficiency.
The Ministry presented details of the results achieved in the past period, among which: initiated investments in solar and wind capacities in cooperation with KfW, EBRD and EIB; the launch of critical infrastructure projects, such as the interconnector with Greece and acceleration of the processes for the interconnector with Serbia; preparation of a national plan for the reconstruction of public buildings with a focus on energy efficiency; progress in just transition processes with concrete steps on the ground.
„Each kilowatt we do not consume is worth as much as a kilowatt we will produce“, Bozhinovska stressed.
The Ministry presented the main priorities for the upcoming period: finalizing of the laws; continuation of investment dynamics in renewables and networks; digitalization of processes; improvement of energy efficiency; development of the interconnections; strengthened monitoring and fulfillment of the deadlines.
„We have work that does not tolerate delays. We must work quickly and with a focus to achieve a stable, modern and interconnected energy system that will bring benefits to the economy, state and the citizens”, the minister concluded.
The participants welcomed the progress and emphasized the need for further coordination in achieving common goals: an integrated energy market, higher efficiency, energy security and continued inclusion of new technologies and innovations.
The Ministry remains fully committed to partner approach, transparency and coordinated implementation of all activities that drive the energy transition and the development of the country.
With regards,
Ministry of energy, mining and mineral resources
