Skopje, 25 February 2025 (MIA) - Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski announced late Tuesday a mega-investment of EUR 1 billion in gas-powered plants by Turkish group "Kazanci Holding", through its energy companies operating under the "Aksa" brand, one of the largest energy giants in the field.

"Aksa Energy" is a leading Turkish company in the energy sector and a key global investor in sustainable energy, with more than 25 years of experience in the field. It has installed capacities of over 3,500MW in eight countries, while majority owner "Kazanci Holding" is operating in 22 countries on four continents.

"When it comes to the solution of the air pollution problem, we are speaking with investors who are interested in building co-generation plants that are in fact the only permanent solution. Everything else would only shove the issue under the rug," PM Mickoski told a joint press conference with the "Kazanci Holding" management.

The PM said the 500MW co-generation plants would annually produce 4.1 TWh of electricity and 720 GWh of heating energy.

"Kazanci Holding is the company that we have talked with on the construction of a secondary gas and heating network that would reach the households under extremely favorable conditions. The entire project - a secondary gas distribution network, heating grid and co-generation plants - is projected at over EUR 1 billion", said Mickoski.

According to him, the investment is not only a permanent solution for the air pollution problem but also the country's energy potential, adding that investments in the field would strengthen the country's energy independence.

"We are discussing projects that are of fundamental significance for the environment, the economy, the energy independence and Macedonia's strategic positioning," said Mickoski and noted that discussions would continue in the coming period, followed by concrete steps.

He also said that the agreement on the construction of the gas interconnector with Greece would be signed next month.

"We have selected the company with the most favorable offer and have the green light from the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The interconnector will provide about 3 billion nm3 of gas per year," said Mickoski.

Mickoski also said the interconnector on the northern border is part of the projects to be funded through EU's Growth Plan.

"We have EUR 750 million at disposal, of which one half is intended for projects while the other for budget liquidity," said Mickoski.

"Kazanci Holding" chairman Cemil Kazanci told the press conference that the meeting with the Government focused on solutions provided by Aksa through investments in the production of electricity and heating energy, as well as the gas pipeline.

"The total investment we are planning in the coming years will be close to EUR 1 billion, enabling the country a safer and more sustainable provision of electricity and heating energy, benefiting the people of Macedonia," said Kazanci.

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