N. Macedonia's ESM to build four PV plants of total 280 MW near Bitola TPP

North Macedonia's state-owned electricity producer ESM said it plans to build four photovoltaic (PV) power plants with a combined capacity of 280 MW near the REK Bitola thermal power plant (TPP).

ESM is currently working with a consultant from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) on the concept for a 20 MW PV plant which will be installed next to the coal-fired TPP, the electricity producer said in a press release on Monday.

The company also said it is seeking a consultant for a feasibility and environmental studies for a second PV plant, with a capacity of 60 MW, which will be built in the Suvodol mine. The studies have been financed through a grant from the KfW Development Bank.

ESM will also install a separate 100 MW solar power plant in the same Suvodol mine, as well as another 100 MW PV power plant in the Brod-Gneotino mine.

ESM added it also plans to build a gas-fired power plant with an initial capacity of 250 MW at REK Bitola which will produce electricity and heating energy for the locations of Novaci, Mogila and Bitola.

Environment minister Naser Nuredini said earlier this year that the government plans to close down coal-fired power plants REK Bitola and TEC Oslomej by 2030 as part of its strategy to switch to renewable energy sources.

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