Kichevo, 6 April 2022 (MIA) — The newly built 10-megawatt Oslomej 1 photovoltaic plant was tested earlier on Wednesday ahead of an event marking the country’s move away from coal-fired power and transition to renewable sources of energy. Built with a loan of seven million euros from the EBRD, the Oslomej 1 solar power plant is the first in the country to produce clean energy, according to Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski addressing the gathering. With its capacity of 10 megawatts, he added, the solar plant would be able to meet the needs of 2,800 households in the country. “This is the first power plant in Southeast Europe that produces clean energy,” PM Kovachevski said. “In addition to producing electricity, while constructing these photovoltaic power plants we are also recultivating the land, which is of enormous importance.” According to North Macedonia's Prime Minister, the testing done earlier in the day and the upcoming official launch of the photovoltaic plant signified the country’s start of producing clean energy, which is another EU commitment. Additionally, he said, the national power provider was working on a study for another 10-megawatt power plant and agreements had been signed to construct two more photovoltaic power plants that would have Oslomej completely switch from coal to renewable sources of energy. Kovachevski said construction was expected to start soon on the Chebren hydropower plant, as well, to produce more electricity from renewable sources. The Oslomej 1 event was also attended by Economy Minister Kreshnik Bekteshi, Power Plants of North Macedonia director Vasko Kovachevski, Deputy Prime Minister Artan Grubi and political party leaders. mr/

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