Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski marked Wednesday the launch of the new transport system of water ash disposal in the Thermal Power Plant (TPP) "Oslomej" in Kicevo.

The system is one of the most valuable investments by Macedonian Power Plants related to ecology. The company itself invested 4.7 million Euro.

The new disposal system will permanently solve the problem with ash emerging as a side effect during the production of electricity and will provide clean environment for settlements in the vicinity of the thermal power plant.

"Challenges related to ecology and the establishment of a healthier environment are an eternal challenge for all countries in the world, including Macedonia. Some of the problems in this area are related to the process of energy production, which is quite necessary for the normal functioning of the industry, economy and everyday life. Therefore, almost all countries in the world are constantly seeking new methods and systems to reduce pollution in the process. Health without a doubt is the most important thing," PM Gruevski said at the ceremony.

In this spirit, he added, efforts had been made to solve the ecological problem with the ash coming from Oslomej TPP, which polluted the environment. "Today, we are pleased to say that this problem has been solved," Mr. Gruevski noted.

The PM announced that investments in the energy system in Macedonia would continue in the future.

Environment Minister Abdulaqim Ademi said that energy production capacities and their functioning were of a great importance for the country’s economy, however "the health of people is essential."

The project was realised by "Energoinvest" from Bosnia and Herzegovina after being chosen through a transparent international procedure.

Opened in 1980, Oslomej TPP's annual production of ash and slag is 300.000 tons.