In the next five years, Macedonia will invest nearly 1.2 billion euros in the energy sector. This is the amount needed to overhaul existing and to build new energy facilities, to establish energy cooperation with countries in the region and to fully implement the measures, activities and tasks included in the programme for the realisation of the Energy Development Strategy.

“The funds will be provided through own resources, another possible loan or through the public and private partnership model”, Economy Minister Valon Saraqini said Monday.

Experts urge the state in establishing a stable energy sector to focus on the use of domestic resources, first and foremost.

"Energy consumption in the next five years is expected to rise by three percent. There is a need for cooperation between all involved parties, relevant institutions and energy companies," Mr. Saraqini stated.

“The government's strategic goal”, he added, “is to reduce energy consumption by 9% in comparison to the average consumption in the period 2002-2006.”

Macedonia must focus on providing coal for thermal power plants and on ensuring an additional source for supplying natural gas. The use of renewable energy sources and the opening of mines should also be treated as a priority, according to academics who drafted the programme.

Adopted by the government in 2010, the programme for the realisation of the Energy Development Strategy is prepared by the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts.