Reuters Exclusive: EBRD backs 3 bln euro plan to wean North Macedonia off coal power
Exclusive: EBRD backs 3 bln euro plan to wean North Macedonia off coal powerBy Libby George, Karin Strohecker and Simon Jessop
November 17, 2023 11:43 AM EST
Summary- Deal set to be announced at COP28 climate talks in Dubai
- Would see country's two coal-fired power plants close
- EBRD would help fund 1.7 GW of renewable energy
LONDON, Nov 17 (Reuters) - International lenders including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the World Bank are backing a 3 billion euro ($3.26 billion) plan to wean North Macedonia off coal-fired power, the head of the EBRD told Reuters.
The deal, which is expected to be announced at the COP28 climate talks in Dubai beginning on Nov. 30, will lay out a plan to close the country's two coal power plants and replace them with 1.7 gigawatts of renewable energy.
"Coal in North Macedonia represents 40% of the energy source, so it's very big, it's very important," EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso told Reuters.
"This is one example of what we would like to showcase in COP, to present this approach and what it can deliver, and the commitment of the country."
]