At the Ministry of Energy, Mining, and Mineral Resources, the official launch of the project for the development of smart electricity grids was announced today. The project aims to enhance the integration of renewable energy sources in Macedonia and lays the foundation for future investments and addressing challenges in the electricity grid.
This important collaboration, under the auspices of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Minister Sanja Bozhinovska, is implemented between the state-owned MEPSO and the company Kolenco.
The event was attended by the EBRD representative in Macedonia, Fatih Turkmenoglu, the Ambassador of Austria, Martin Pamer, the Director of MEPSO, Burim Ljatifi, the Director of Kolenco in Macedonia, Nikola Bitrak, and the Director of Kolenco from Germany, Hubert Hosp, who specifically came for the event. The formalization of the contract was also followed online by Anja Schneider from Bloomberg.
“This project for the development of smart electricity grids is not just a planning strategy; these are concrete steps for the future of our energy structure. As a Ministry, we are committed to creating sustainable solutions for our energy transformation. We have a responsibility to modernize our energy grids. We have a responsibility to our citizens, our resources, and our environment. We have the opportunity to build a network that will not only serve today but will also be a solid foundation for future development. Together with our partners, we reaffirm our commitment to creating a smart grid that will meet the challenges of the times we live in. This network is our future and our legacy,” said Minister Bozhinovska.
EBRD is partnering with the Ministry of Energy, Mining, and Mineral Resources, MEPSO, and EVN Distribution, providing expert resources for the development of the Study.
“The decarbonization of the Macedonian energy sector is continuously strategically supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). We actively support MEPSO in their efforts to modernize and strengthen the energy grid and to implement this plan into reality. We are committed to helping the country in its energy transition,” said EBRD representative Fatih Turkmenoglu.
Macedonia is on track to realize its energy agenda, which includes integrating 1.7 GW of renewable energy by 2030. The development of a detailed Network Development Study is key to addressing the challenges of integrating RES. The study will serve as an update to the 10-year network development plan (TYNDP) and prepare a robust investment plan to ensure a smooth transition for both the transmission and distribution networks.
“Our goal is clear: to create an energy system that is secure, reliable, and prepared for the future. To achieve this, MEPSO is committed to modernizing the infrastructure, developing new transformer stations, improving transmission capacities, and installing monitoring and protection systems. The success of this project depends on our ability to cooperate. I am confident that through this partnership with EBRD, the Ministry of Energy, ESM, MEPSO, MEMO, EVN, and the many green energy producers and all stakeholders involved, we will achieve the ambitious goals we have set,” said Burim Ljatifi, Director of MEPSO.
The study will apply modern solutions for “smart grids,” using experiences from international practice, including the EU and other countries in more advanced phases of energy transition and planning.
