On Wednesday, November 27, USAID’s Clean Energy Investment Project, in partnership with the International Finance Cooperation (IFC) Balkan Renewable Energy Program and the Association of Renewable Energy Producers at the Chamber of Commerce, hosted the first of a series of Renewable Energy Stakeholder Forums.  These forums serve as a vehicle for public-private dialogue on issues related to renewable energy. The initiatives developed in these forums will improve the legal and regulatory framework for investing in renewable energy and resolve some of the challenges faced by investors.

“If we wish to see larger investments in and utilization of the rich renewable energy sources that Macedonia posesses – such as wind, solar, small hydro, or biogas - we need to ease the process for potential investors, without compromising safeguards for the environment,” said USAID Mission Director James Stein.

“We’ve been working closely with the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning, including all other key energy sector stakeholders since 2012. Our program is also partnering with local and international renewable energy investors and seeks to enhance their technical designs and the bankability of such projects,” noted Nebojša Arsenijević, Program Manager of IFC’s Balkan Renewable Energy Program.

“We hope that existing renewable energy investors, who bring considerable experience to the discussion, will offer suggestions for better initiation and implementation of these projects,” said Kovo Angjushev, President of the Association for Renewable Energy Producers in the Chamber of Commerce.

The Renewable Energy Forums are a much needed mechanism for bringing together renewable energy project developers, investors, local associations, ministries, agencies, and international donors to generate new initiatives and act as a feedback channel for legal proposals. Topics of discussion at the inaugural Forum include analysis of the process for streamlining Renewable Energy Procedures, the concession agreement model for new small hydropower plants, power purchase and grid connection agreement models. 

NOTES TO THE EDITORS

The American people, through USAID, have invested more than $500 million in Macedonia since 1993. USAID works with the people of Macedonia to create jobs strengthen democratic institutions and practices, enhance integrated education, and prepare students for the workforce. These initiatives improve the quality of life and support Macedonia’s transition to a stable and prosperous democracy. USAID provides economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries. For more information please visit USAIDMacedonia Website and USAID Macedonia Facebook page.

Initiated in 2013, USAID’s three-year Clean Energy Investment Project supports the Government of Macedonia's efforts in improving renewable energy enabling environment and implementing relevant strategies with the goal to increase investment in energy generation from renewable sources, and reduce Macedonia’s total final energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.