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EU-funded solar plant in North Macedonia starts producing electricity
The first large-scale solar plant in North Macedonia has been connected to the power grid and is already producing clean electricity. The plant has been financed with the support of the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) bilateral donors and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
The 10MW photovoltaic plant was constructed by the JSC Elektrani na Severna Makedonija (ESM) public company on the site of the former Oslomej lignite coal mine. The plant is part of a larger effort to clean up the site and to diversify energy sources and support decarbonisation. It is expected to produce nearly 15 GWh of electricity and save 12,177 tonnes of CO2 annually.
In line with the Team Europe approach, the EBRD provided a €5.9 million loan, complementing a €1.6 million grant from WBIF bilateral donors and a national contribution of €1.3 million. In addition, Italy supported the project by financing the technical feasibility assessment.
The Oslomej 1 solar power plant is one of the 21 flagship projects in the Western Balkan region selected for EU financing through the WBIF in 2022. The project has been identified as Flagship 4, for renewable energy, in the EU’s Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans 2021-2027.
Source: WBIF
Photo credits: WBIF
