Bitola, 25 February 2026 – The AD ESM and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) have marked the successful completion of two workforce development projects supporting North Macedonia’s just energy transition, with a final event and certification ceremony held in Bitola.
The projects were implemented jointly and form part of the North Macedonia’s Just Energy Transition Investment Platform, coordinated by the Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources. They aim to support workers and communities affected by the transition away from coal by strengthening skills, improving employability and building resilience in the energy sector.
Across the two projects, more than 600 ESM employees have benefited from structured training programmes covering technical, managerial and soft skills, including productivity, energy management, leadership, communication, and solar installation. The initiatives were supported by the Japan Technical Cooperation Fund and Bloomberg Philanthropies, through the EBRD.
Welcoming the completion of the programme, the Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources, Sanja Bozinovska expressed: The “Skills of the Future” program, implemented with the support of the EBRD and international partners, has shown that modern energy starts right here – with people. Over 600 employees at AD ESM have gained new knowledge and competencies to manage the coming changes. This makes the institution stronger, more resilient and prepared for the challenges ahead, and the country gains a more reliable and stable energy system.”
Linking workforce development with AD ESM’s broader transformation plans, the Deputy CEO of AD ESM, Rexhep Hasani underlined: “The green energy transformation is our fundamental responsibility to the planet and our greatest strategic investment. With the skills acquired over the past period, we are redefining our operational standards. Starting this year, we are launching the implementation of three major capital projects in Bitola under the Green Agenda, three photovoltaic power plants that will significantly strengthen the production portfolio of ЈSC ESM. Additionally, the second phase of the Bogdanci Wind Park is already undergoing field implementation. This commitment ensures not only the sustainable growth of our company but also a secure energy future for the country.”
Speaking at the event, EBRD Country Head for North Macedonia Fatih Turkmenoglu highlighted the importance of investing in people as the foundation of a successful energy transition. He noted that regions such as Bitola and Oslomej have played a central role in ensuring national energy security for decades, and that workers and communities must be supported as the energy system evolves.
“Technologies may change, but the success of any transition depends on people,” Mr Turkmenoglu said, congratulating participants who received certificates for completing the training programmes.
The event also reaffirmed the EBRD’s broader support for North Macedonia’s just transition agenda, including ongoing and upcoming technical assistance and investment programmes. These include initiatives focused on skills development, economic diversification, gender equality and support for small and medium-sized enterprises in coal-affected regions.
The EBRD also announced the launch of the $150k Women-led Coal Transition platform for North Macedonia which will support particularly women working in the energy sector and affected by the transition.
As coal-dependent regions enter a new chapter, continued investment in skills, innovation and local economic development will remain central to ensuring that communities such as Bitola and Oslomej prosper in the context of the energy transition.
The completion of these programmes marks an important milestone in North Macedonia’s just transition journey, demonstrating that sustained investment in people is essential to building a modern, competitive and sustainable energy system.