Turkish energy giant Aksa to invest over $1B in N. Macedonia’s power infrastructure
Exterior of the Ali Metin Kazanci Antalya Natural Gas Combined Cycle Power Plant, operated by Aksa Energy in Antalya, Türkiye. (Photo via aksainvestorrelations.com)
Turkish energy giant Aksa Energy is set to invest over $1 billion in North Macedonia as part of a major infrastructure project that includes the construction of a natural gas network, a heating network, and cogeneration power plants, Turkish media reported.
According to the business-focused dunya.com, Cemil Kazanci, chairman of Kazanci Holding—the parent company of Aksa Energy—held talks with North Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Environment and Spatial Planning Izet Meciti, and Minister of Energy, Mining, and Mineral Resources Sanja Bozinovska during his recent visit to the country.
During the press conference, Prime Minister Mickoski highlighted the need for cogeneration gas plants to address air pollution issues. “These plants are the only viable solution to the air pollution problem. All other solutions merely sweep the issue under the rug,” he said.
The planned cogeneration plants will have an installed capacity of 500 megawatts (MW), generating 4.1 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity and 720 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of thermal energy annually, he stated.
Expanding into Europe
Mickoski also confirmed discussions with Kazanci Holding regarding the construction of a natural gas and heating network. “These networks will be accessible to households under highly favorable conditions. There will be no connection fees for households, and natural gas prices will be significantly lower than market rates,” he said.
“The entire project, encompassing the natural gas network, heating network, and cogeneration plants, is estimated to exceed €1 billion in investment.”
Cemil Kazanci stated that the company is committed to both reducing air pollution and lowering energy costs. “We will do everything in our power to achieve these goals,” he said.
Aksa Energy has a strong presence in Africa and Central Asia, with an installed capacity exceeding 3,500 MW across eight countries.
In December, the company commissioned the 430 MW Talimercan Natural Gas Combined Cycle Power Plant in Uzbekistan.
With the addition of this facility, Aksa Energy’s total installed capacity in Uzbekistan, including plants in Tashkent and Bukhara, has reached 1,220 MW.
