North Macedonia is taking steps towards a greener future by signing an agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to receive 26.4 million euros to support its energy transition. This move is part of the country’s commitment to the Green Agenda and its goal to phase out coal and other fossil fuels.
The country’s reliance on coal, with one of its main coal-fired power plants providing most of its electricity, has led to high levels of pollution, especially during the winter months. In order to combat this issue, North Macedonia is working to convert its thermal power plants in Bitola and Negotino to renewable energy sources by 2032.
Part of the funding from the European Bank will go towards the creation of an educational center to provide the necessary human resources for managing the new energy systems. This includes training energy scientists, physicists, nuclear physicists, and IT engineers to operate the new infrastructure.
Additionally, the country will need to invest in creating new green jobs to offset the impact of closing down the coal-fired power plant, which currently employs 2500 people. North Macedonia aims to prepare an investment plan for a coal phaseout by 2032, grid strengthening, new capacities, and transitioning its coal regions to cleaner energy sources.
With these initiatives in place, North Macedonia is taking significant steps towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future in line with its commitments to the Green Agenda and European integration.
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