North Macedonia is extending an invitation to neighboring countries for collaborative participation in the construction of the Negotino gas and hydrogen power plant.
The Minister of Economy, Kreshnik Bekteshi, revealed that the proposal aims to establish joint ventures in power plant projects, echoing a trend observed in the region.
The concept of shared power plant construction gained attention when Bulgaria, last October, expressed a preference for long-term supply contracts over direct investments in planned reactors at the Kozloduy nuclear power plant. Now, North Macedonia is actively pursuing a similar path, aiming for collaborative efforts with countries in the Western Balkans.
The Government of North Macedonia, through its state-owned power company Elektrani na Severna Makedonija (ESM), has tasked negotiations for the construction of the 800 MW Negotino power plant and the 250 MW to 300 MW Bitola power plant. Both facilities are designed to utilize a combination of gas and hydrogen, marking a significant step towards cleaner and more sustainable energy practices.
Minister Bekteshi highlighted the ongoing preparations for a gas pipeline with Greece, a crucial element in the envisioned energy transformation. The proposed power plants, particularly the Negotino project, carry a substantial capacity that makes regional cooperation vital. Such collaboration would not only enhance the security of North Macedonia’s electricity supply but also facilitate market coupling and regional balancing in the power exchange.
The proposed model for the power plant projects revolves around a public-private partnership between ESM and a private company possessing the requisite expertise and technology for the effective utilization of both gas and hydrogen. This collaboration aims to leverage the strengths of both sectors, fostering sustainable growth in the energy sector.
Minister Bekteshi disclosed that the deadline for applications for the construction of the gas pipeline to Greece is February 1, attracting significant interest from domestic and foreign companies. The construction is slated to commence in March, with an 18-month timeframe for completion. This ambitious initiative not only ensures energy security but also marks a decisive step towards reducing dependence on Russian gas and diversifying transit routes.
