Grant agreement for early-stage development
North Macedonia’s state-owned power utility ESM and the World Bank have signed a $2.4 million grant agreement to support preparatory activities for the planned TPP Bitola cogeneration plant. The funding is intended for early-stage project development, including the selection of consultants and the preparation of detailed technical documentation needed for implementation. The parties also plan a comprehensive feasibility study to inform next steps.
Feasibility study and route to an international tender
The planned feasibility study is expected to serve as the basis for a future international tender covering the design and construction of the facility. This work is part of the project’s preparatory phase supported by the World Bank grant. The scope includes technical documentation required to move toward procurement.
Planned location and role in heat and power supply
According to ESM, the proposed cogeneration plant is expected to be built near the existing TPP Bitola complex, which is described as one of North Macedonia’s key thermal power generation sites. The facility would operate as a combined heat and power (cogeneration) plant, producing both electricity and useful thermal energy. In addition to power generation, ESM expects it to supply district heating to Bitola and surrounding communities.
Project scale within ESM’s modernization program
The overall project value is reported at more than €200 million, positioning it among the larger planned energy infrastructure investments in North Macedonia. ESM said the project forms part of its broader energy sector modernization program, which targets upgrades to infrastructure and improvements in the flexibility and efficiency of North Macedonia’s power system.
