Oslomej 2 and Bitola: A joint leap into solar power
This case study explores two plants being constructed on sites previously used for coal mining (an extension of Oslomej I) and adjacent to a coal-fired power plant in Bitola, symbolizing the shift from fossil fuels to cleaner energy.
About
Challenges:
The Oslomej 2 and Bitola Photovoltaic Power Plants project addresses several key issues:
- North Macedonia has historically relied heavily on coal for energy production, contributing significantly to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. This dependency poses environmental and health risks due to the continued use of outdated coal-fired power plants.
- The areas selected for these photovoltaic plants, particularly Oslomej, are former coal mining sites. These sites have suffered from environmental degradation due to extensive mining activities, leading to issues like land subsidence and contamination.
- The country’s energy system is vulnerable due to its reliance on imported energy and aging infrastructure, particularly in the coal sector. This reliance makes the national grid less stable and increases the risk of energy shortages or disruptions.
- The decline of the coal industry has had economic consequences, particularly in regions dependent on coal mining for employment. The shift to renewable energy sources requires addressing potential job losses and the need for reskilling the workforce.
- The coal industry has been a major contributor to air pollution in North Macedonia, particularly in regions where coal-fired power plants are located. This has resulted in significant public health concerns, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Solutions
The Oslomej 2 and Bitola Photovoltaic Power Plants project presents several technical solutions to address the problems identified:
The project involves the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on the sites of an exhausted coal mine in Oslomej and near the coal-fired power plant in Bitola. These PV panels will convert sunlight directly into electricity, providing a clean and renewable source of energy.
The electricity generated by these solar plants will be connected to the national power grid, ensuring that the clean energy produced is efficiently integrated into North Macedonia’s energy system. This contributes to greater energy security and stability within the grid.
By utilizing former coal mining sites for solar energy production, the project also addresses the issue of environmental degradation. It repurposes degraded land that would otherwise remain underutilized, turning it into productive areas for renewable energy generation.
Impacts
- The project involves the construction of two solar power plants with a combined capacity of 30 MW. Oslomej 2, an extension of the previously completed Oslomej 1, will have a capacity of 10 MW, while the Bitola plant will contribute the remaining 20 MW.
- Together, the plants are expected to produce around 50 GWh of electricity annually, sufficient to power approximately 8,500 households. This will also result in a reduction of 34,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year.
- The project includes plans for reskilling workers who were previously employed in the coal industry. By training these workers in new skills relevant to the renewable energy sector, the project supports the economic transition in coal-dependent regions.