The Ministry of energy, mining and mineral resources in cooperation with AD ESM and the European bank for reconstruction and development (EBRD), marked the successful completion of two projects for development of work force supporting the just energy transition. The ceremony for awarding certificates was held in Bitola, in the presence of competent representatives from institutions and international partners.
The projects are part of the Investment platform for a just energy transition in North Macedonia, coordinated by the Ministry of energy, mining and mineral resources. The aim is to support workers and communities affected by the coal transition through strengthening skills, improving employability and building resilience within the energy sector.
Within the two projects, more than 600 ESM employees participated in structured training programs covering technical and managerial skills, including productivity, energy management, leadership, communication and installation of solar systems. The initiatives were supported by the Japan technical cooperation fund and Bloomberg Philanthropies, through EBRD.
Greeting the completion of the program, the minister of energy, mining and mineral resources, Sanja Bozhinovska stated:
„Just transition does not mean only clean energy. It means ensuring that people have a place in the future we’re creating. And the changes require new skills, new approaches and continuous learning. That is why investing in knowledge is just as important as investing in new energy capacities. Modern energy begins right here–with people. Modernization does not happen on its own-it’s learned, built and led. Over 600 employees of AD ESM have acquired new knowledge and competences to meet the upcoming changes. This makes the institution stronger, more resilient and ready for the challenges ahead, while the country gains a more secure and more stable energy system. I would like to send a message to all those that were awarded certificates: This is not just a recognition for completed training—this is vote of confidence that you are the ones carrying the changes forward“.
Speaking at the event, the head of the EBRD’s office in North Macedonia, Fatih Türkmenoğlu, emphasized the importance of investing in people as the foundation of a successful energy transition. He highlighted that regions such as Bitola and Oslomej have
played a key role in ensuring national energy security for decades, and that the workers and communities must be supported as the energy system transforms.
EBRD, also, announced the launch of the „Women-led Coal Transition“ platform worth 150.000 USD for North Macedonia, which will specifically support women employed in the energy sector and affected by the transition.
As coal-dependent regions enter a new chapter, continuous investments in skills, innovation and local economic development will remain crucial for ensuring the prosperity of communities such as Bitola and Oslomej during the energy transition.
The completion of these programs marks a significant step in North Macedonia’s path toward just transition, demonstrating that long-term investment in people is essential for building a modern, competitive and sustainable energy system.
With regards,
Ministry of energy, mining and mineral resources
