AD ESM, through a favorable loan from the German KfW Bank, is beginning a new investment cycle in renewable energy sources. This includes the construction of the photovoltaic power plant Bitola 2 and the implementation of the second phase of the Bogdanci Wind Park expansion.
The Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources, Sanja Bozhinovska, welcomed the signing and emphasized that the project for expanding the Bogdanci Wind Park is part of the national strategy to increase electricity production from renewable sources.
The signing was also attended by the Deputy Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources, Miroslav Labudović.
"The implementation of these two projects will further enrich North Macedonia’s renewable energy portfolio, contribute to greater energy system stability, and reduce dependence on electricity imports. These investments will also bring socio-economic benefits by creating new so-called green jobs," said Labudović.
The funds for these two significant projects, totaling 55 million euros, are secured through a state-guaranteed loan signed by the Ministry of Finance, under extremely favorable conditions, with a 15-year repayment term and a 5-year grace period.
"As a Government, we recognize the need to increase the production of green energy, and the guarantee issued for the realization of this agreement reflects that commitment. It also ensures the necessary financing for the project of the Bogdanci Wind Park – Phase 2 and the Bitola 2 Photovoltaic Power Plant. The Government takes a serious approach and will make every effort to implement projects that bring added value to the economy," said Minister Dimitrieska-Koçoska.
She added that this investment cycle is also supported by a significant amount of planned capital investments in the 2025 Budget.
"It is truly a pleasure that AD ESM, after a long time, is once again entering a serious and dynamic investment cycle. We continue to pave the way toward a sustainable energy scenario by implementing new renewable energy projects. With funds from our partner, AD ESM has already implemented important interventions, and we will continue at an accelerated pace with the realization of new projects," emphasized Uzunchev after signing the loan agreement.
Bitola 2 photovoltaic plant will be built on reclaimed land within REK “Bitola” and will have an installed capacity of at least 50 MW. It is expected to produce about 80–90 GWh of electricity annually, enough to meet the needs of over 20,000 households. The 47.3 million euro investment will reduce COâ‚‚ emissions by 63,000 tons annually, contributing to faster decarbonization of the energy sector. As part of the expansion of the Bogdanci Wind Park, four additional wind turbines with a total installed capacity of 13.6 MW will be installed at the current site, which already has 16 turbines with a capacity of 36.8 MW, bringing the total capacity to about 50 MW.
These two investments will help harness part of the vast renewable energy potential for the benefit of the citizens of the Republic of North Macedonia.
Bitola 2 and the expansion of the Bogdanci Wind Park are part of the country’s long-term plans for a green energy transition.