The minister of energy, mining and mineral resources, Sanja Bozhinovska, held a working meeting with a high-level World Bank delegation led by Mr. Charles Cormier, Regional Director for Infrastructure (Transport and Energy), and Ms. Xiaoqing Yu, director of the World Bank Office for North Macedonia. The meeting focused on strategic energy priorities, green investments and strengthening institutional cooperation.
The gas interconnector between North Macedonia and Serbia, a project the World Bank considers one of the most important for energy security and regional connectivity was at the center of the discussions. The need to establish a joint institutional framework with Serbia was reviewed, as well as the enhanced role of NOMAGAS AD in preparing project documentation and coordination with international partners.
The World Bank delegation confirmed readiness to support the development of renewable energy sources, investments in storage systems and modernization of central heating systems in Bitola and Skopje – processes that directly contribute to cleaner air and energy sustainability.
Minister Bozhinovska emphasized the central role of the Energy Efficiency Fund, with a focus on directing resources toward public institutions, where efficiency has the greatest systemic effect. Regarding energy poverty, the need for more precise and socially targeted measures was highlighted, along with accelerated improvement of energy performance in public and private buildings.
A special segment of the meeting addressed the gradual phase-out of coal-fired power plants and plans for new investments in renewable sources and modern storage systems. Both sides agreed that the transition must be socially just, with strong programs for retraining and reskilling employees in energy complexes.
The minister and the World Bank representatives agreed on increased coordination, technical support and regular dialogue in the coming period, with a joint commitment to accelerating the green transition and creating a stable, modern and sustainable energy system.
With regards,
Ministry of energy, mining and mineral resources
