March 3, 2026
by in News

North Macedonia Launches First-Ever Tender for 150 Electric Buses Worth EUR 51 Million

The Ministry of Transport of North Macedonia has launched a public tender for the procurement of electric buses for urban transport, marking the country’s first such purchase. The authorities expect the move to curb air pollution, enhance the quality of public transport services, and reduce long-term operating costs.

North Macedonia is joining regional peers Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, which are also advancing electric bus procurement processes. Macedonian officials first announced the initiative in December 2024.

150 Electric Buses and 75 Charging Stations Planned

The ministry has issued a public call for the acquisition of 150 eco-friendly electric buses and 75 charging stations. Under the plan, 100 buses will be allocated to the Skopje, while the remaining 50 will serve other municipalities across the country.

Delivery is structured in three phases. The selected supplier will be required to deliver the first 30 buses and 15 charging stations within six months. An additional 60 buses and 30 stations must be supplied within one year, followed by the final 60 buses and 30 stations within 18 months.

The total value of the procurement is estimated at MKD 3.1 billion (EUR 51 million).

Technical Requirements and Warranty Conditions

According to the tender documentation, each bus must offer a minimum driving range of 325 kilometers on a single charge, in line with the SORT II standard. The required minimum battery capacity is 360 kWh.

The supplier must provide a four-year warranty covering both the buses and their batteries, as well as ensure the availability of spare parts for ten years. Each of the 75 charging stations is required to have a capacity of at least 120 kW per charger.

The deadline for bid submissions is March 30, 2026. The main selection criterion will be price, determined through an electronic auction process.

Strategic Investment in Cleaner and More Efficient Transport

The ministry described the procurement as a clear political commitment to environmental protection and to improving the efficiency of public transport in Skopje and other municipalities.

According to the authorities, the investment sends a strong signal in the fight against air pollution while raising the quality of public transport services. In addition to environmental gains, the ministry emphasized the long-term economic viability of the project, citing lower maintenance and energy costs associated with electric vehicles.

The procurement forms part of a broader strategic plan aimed at transforming the urban transport system and enhancing the overall efficiency of the national transport network.

Regionally, Croatia is in the process of purchasing 206 electric buses for its cities, while Bosnia and Herzegovina is acquiring electric vehicles for Sarajevo.

At the EU level, the shift toward cleaner public transport is accelerating. According to Transport & Environment, 60% of all new city buses registered in the European Union last year were powered by electricity or hydrogen, underlining the pace of decarbonization in the sector.

January 4, 2026
by in News

Athens International Airport builds biggest photovoltaic-BESS plant

Athens International Airport (AIA) Eleftherios Venizelos completed its comprehensive energy makeover program. It is now operating a photovoltaic facility of 51.5 MW and a battery energy storage system of 82 MWh. It is the largest hybrid power plant of its kind within the premises of any airport in Europe and, reportedly, even the entire world.

At the same time, the Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport is about to build 12.6 MW in peak PV capacity and a BESS of 17.9 MWh, in the first phase of a larger project.

Following European and global trends, airports in Southeastern Europe are introducing resource, waste and wastewater management systems. Energy is the largest segment of the decarbonization push. With the completion of its Route 2025 program, Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos covered all its electricity needs with photovoltaics, becoming the only such airport in Europe.

In the groundbreaking project, the operator extended the existing solar power plant by 35.5 MW in peak capacity, reaching 51.5 MW, and added a battery energy storage system. The facility has 124 MWh in nominal capacity, of which 82 MWh is usable.

The hybrid system is the largest of its kind inside the fence of any airport in Europe, while the Greek press has even called it the largest in the world. Some of the world’s largest airports are set to follow soon. For instance, IGA Istanbul Airport is investing EUR 212 million in an external solar power plant of 199.3 MW, in Eskişehir.

Athens International Airport builds biggest photovoltaic BESS plant
Photo: Athens International Airport

Hybrid power plant to keep Athens International Airport at net zero through 2046

AIA’s PV-BESS plant will generate an estimated 88 GWh per year, which is equivalent to the consumption of 22,000 households. The storage system is only for self-consumption. Importantly, the hybrid system can cover the entire planned expansion up to 2046, when the concession period ends.

AviAlliance, which controls 50.2% of the public-private partnership, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments) from Canada. The government holds 25.6% through Superfund, officially Growthfund – The National Fund of Greece.

AIA launched Route 2025 six years ago, with the aim to cut net greenhouse gas emissions to zero by the end of this year. It compares to the 2050 net zero goal of the European airports sector.

The Route 2025 program was worth EUR 70 million

The investments totaled EUR 70 million. A significant portion was financed through loans from the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the update adds.

Heat pumps have eliminated the need for natural gas in buildings at AIA in normal winter conditions. The electric vehicle fleet consists of 19 buses, 13 follow-me vehicles and 29 vans. A network of chargers also serves passenger cars.

“In the airport company, we operate on the basis of the principle that sustainability, and environmental responsibility in particular, are and will increasingly be prerequisites for what we call the social license to operate and grow,” said outgoing Managing Director of AIA Yiannis Paraschis.

Two airports in Romania receive EU funds for solar-BESS projects

As for other recent developments in the Balkans, operators of two airports in Romania received grants via the European Union’s Modernisation Fund for solar power plants with battery storage.

National Company Bucharest Airports (CNAB) signed a contract for RON 132.04 million (EUR 25.9 million) excluding value-added tax. It is for 12.6 MW in peak PV capacity and a BESS of 17.9 MWh at the Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport in Otopeni.

The entire investment amounts to RON 176.9 million (EUR 34.7 million) excluding VAT. The Romanian state-owned company said it is the first phase of a project for 31.5 MW and 30 MWh overall, valued at EUR 55.7 million.

Bacău International Airport George Enescu will build a solar power plant of 1.25 MW and a BESS of 2.06 MWh. Bacău County Council will also provide support for the on-site project on 2.2 hectares, worth more than EUR 4.9 million.

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January 1, 2026
by in News

Athens International Airport builds biggest photovoltaic-BESS plant

Athens International Airport (AIA) Eleftherios Venizelos completed its comprehensive energy makeover program. It is now operating a photovoltaic facility of 51.5 MW and a battery energy storage system of 82 MWh. It is the largest hybrid power plant of its kind within the premises of any airport in Europe and, reportedly, even the entire world.

At the same time, the Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport is about to build 12.6 MW in peak PV capacity and a BESS of 17.9 MWh, in the first phase of a larger project.

Following European and global trends, airports in Southeastern Europe are introducing resource, waste and wastewater management systems. Energy is the largest segment of the decarbonization push. With the completion of its Route 2025 program, Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos covered all its electricity needs with photovoltaics, becoming the only such airport in Europe.

In the groundbreaking project, the operator extended the existing solar power plant by 35.5 MW in peak capacity, reaching 51.5 MW, and added a battery energy storage system. The facility has 124 MWh in nominal capacity, of which 82 MWh is usable.

The hybrid system is the largest of its kind inside the fence of any airport in Europe, while the Greek press has even called it the largest in the world. Some of the world’s largest airports are set to follow soon. For instance, IGA Istanbul Airport is investing EUR 212 million in an external solar power plant of 199.3 MW, in Eskişehir.

Athens International Airport builds biggest photovoltaic BESS plant
Photo: Athens International Airport

Hybrid power plant to keep Athens International Airport at net zero through 2046

AIA’s PV-BESS plant will generate an estimated 88 GWh per year, which is equivalent to the consumption of 22,000 households. The storage system is only for self-consumption. Importantly, the hybrid system can cover the entire planned expansion up to 2046, when the concession period ends.

AviAlliance, which controls 50.2% of the public-private partnership, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments) from Canada. The government holds 25.6% through Superfund, officially Growthfund – The National Fund of Greece.

AIA launched Route 2025 six years ago, with the aim to cut net greenhouse gas emissions to zero by the end of this year. It compares to the 2050 net zero goal of the European airports sector.

The Route 2025 program was worth EUR 70 million

The investments totaled EUR 70 million. A significant portion was financed through loans from the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the update adds.

Heat pumps have eliminated the need for natural gas in buildings at AIA in normal winter conditions. The electric vehicle fleet consists of 19 buses, 13 follow-me vehicles and 29 vans. A network of chargers also serves passenger cars.

“In the airport company, we operate on the basis of the principle that sustainability, and environmental responsibility in particular, are and will increasingly be prerequisites for what we call the social license to operate and grow,” said outgoing Managing Director of AIA Yiannis Paraschis.

Two airports in Romania receive EU funds for solar-BESS projects

As for other recent developments in the Balkans, operators of two airports in Romania received grants via the European Union’s Modernisation Fund for solar power plants with battery storage.

National Company Bucharest Airports (CNAB) signed a contract for RON 132.04 million (EUR 25.9 million) excluding value-added tax. It is for 12.6 MW in peak PV capacity and a BESS of 17.9 MWh at the Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport in Otopeni.

The entire investment amounts to RON 176.9 million (EUR 34.7 million) excluding VAT. The Romanian state-owned company said it is the first phase of a project for 31.5 MW and 30 MWh overall, valued at EUR 55.7 million.

Bacău International Airport George Enescu will build a solar power plant of 1.25 MW and a BESS of 2.06 MWh. Bacău County Council will also provide support for the on-site project on 2.2 hectares, worth more than EUR 4.9 million.

Post Views:76
December 11, 2025
by in News

Croatia drafts EUR 1.68 billion Social Climate Plan

Croatia has prepared a Social Climate Plan for the period 2026-2032, worth EUR 1.68 billion. It would introduce measures for the buildings and road transport sectors aimed at supporting households and small businesses.

The draft of Croatia’s Social Climate Plan is under public discussion, which will last until December 22.

The process of adopting the most important national instrument for protecting citizens from the adverse effects of climate transition and the introduction of the European Union’s Emissions Trading System 2 (EU ETS 2) has begun, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition stressed.

The plan will be financed with EUR 1.26 billion from the EU’s Social Climate Fund, and the remainder from Croatia’s national budget. Essentially, all the funds are coming from the auctions of emission allowances in the EU and Croatia under the EU ETS 2. It is an expansion of the EU ETS to the buildings sector (heating and cooling) and road transport.

The EU established the Social Climate Fund in May 2023 to protect households and small businesses

The expansion could increase the costs of heating, cooling, and transport. In May 2023, the EU established the Social Climate Fund to protect low-income households, micro enterprises, and transport users that could be affected by the cost increase.

The measures and investments also contribute to the implementation of the goals of the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP).

The Social Climate Plan allocates EUR 658.1 million (39%) for the buildings sector, and EUR 958.4 million (57%) for road transport. Technical assistance is the third component, with EUR 42 million (2.5%).

The measures planned for the buildings sector include support for the establishment of energy communities and subsidies for the energy renovation of family homes. In the road transport sector, the plan envisages investments in cycling, on-demand mobility services, zero-emission vehicles, and railway infrastructure.

Vučković: Restoration planned for 180 kilometers of bike trails

croatia social climate policy plan EU ets 2 marija vuckovic plenkovic
Photo: Government of Croatia

​While presenting the draft plan at a session of the National Council for Sustainable Development, Minister of Environmental Protection and Green Transition Marija Vučković said it identifies two groups: the energy poor or vulnerable, and transport poor or vulnerable.

“The plan provides for 10 measures, four of which relate to so-called stationary or energy poverty, and the remaining six to achieving affordable and favorable mobility and reducing the risk of transport poverty,” she explained.

According to the ministry, the plan provides for the renovation of 180 kilometers of bicycle paths, 80 kilometers of railway lines, as well as the procurement of 30 electric trains, 80 electric buses, and 3,000 electric cars.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković stressed that the plan isn’t just a technical and administrative document, arguing that it determines what Croatia would become in ten, twenty, and fifty years.

“And we want a Croatia that is economically strong, socially just, and sovereign,” Plenković underlined.

Post Views:113
October 30, 2025
by in News

Zagreb kicks off decarbonization of public transport

Zagreb’s public transport utility ZET has received EUR 21 million from the Government of Croatia to install chargers for electric buses.

Croatia has earmarked EUR 50 million for firms providing public urban and suburban transport services to install chargers for electric buses. Zagreb is also in the process of procuring 70 electric buses.

The grant agreement was signed by Minister of Economy Ante Šušnjar, public transport utility ZET’s CEO Marko Bogdanović, and Luka Balen, manager of the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund.

The EUR 21 million agreement is from the public call on charging infrastructure for electric buses, according to the Ministry of Economy.

ZET will install 62 dual e-chargers

The funds are from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan 2021-2026.

ZET intends to build the devices at the Podsused location. As part of the project, the company will install 62 dual chargers, providing 124 charging points for low-floor electric buses.

Minister Ante Šušnjar underlined that it is an important step toward decarbonizing public city transportation.

With an investment worth over EUR 21 million, the government is backing the decarbonization and sustainable future of Zagreb, Šušnjar added.

Balen: Other cities and municipalities are also committed to decarbonization through smart city projects

Luka Balen, manager of the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund, pointed out that other Croatian cities and municipalities are also committed to decarbonizing transportation. It is evident from the smart city projects co-financed by the fund.

Local authorities, through projects involving smart management, aim to reduce traffic jams and to offer citizens alternative transport options, such as urban bike systems, and cleaner urban transportation, Balen stressed.

ZET CEO Marko Bogdanović highlighted the agreement as a historic step and the start of the decarbonization of public transport in Zagreb.

After purchasing the first electric buses in Croatia, ZET and Zagreb are once again leading the implementation of new technologies in the region by signing the agreement for the installation of chargers for e-buses, Balen said.

ZET is one of 18 pre-selected public transport operators eligible for grants under the public call. The total value of ZET’s project is EUR 27.4 million.

Post Views:254
September 18, 2025
by in News

North Macedonia kicks off project to replace taxis with electric vehicles

North Macedonia plans to subsidize the purchase of 200 electric vehicles for taxi drivers to improve urban transportation and reduce air pollution.

The country’s first move toward electrifying public transportation was announced last year by Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, who said 100-120 electric buses would be purchased.

Now, in Skopje, the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning and an association of cab drivers have presented a project to subsidize the first 200 electric vehicles for them, as part of efforts for cleaner, quieter, and more efficient urban transportation for the citizens of Skopje and the entire country.

The two sides signed a memorandum of cooperation.

The average price of electric cars in the program would be EUR 28,000

Of note, Skopje is one of the cities with the most polluted air in the world.

According to Izet Mexhiti, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Environment and Spatial Planning, the project represents a concrete and important step toward transforming urban transportation. He added it is part of the strategy to fight air pollution and improve the quality of life in urban areas.

Photo: Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning

The ministry and the union presented an electric vehicle that meets high environmental standards – without polluting emissions or noise, and with high energy efficiency. Mexhiti stressed that such vehicles would, in several phases, replace the current diesel, petrol, or natural gas vehicles, bringing significant benefits to citizens, taxi drivers, and the environment.

The average price of the said electric cars is EUR 28,000, putting a total cost for 200 vehicles at about EUR 5.6 million. The ministry’s subsidy will be 15% or around EUR 840,000 in total.

There will be a significant reduction in noise pollution

Mexhiti asserted that the replacement of cabs would result in a reduction of more than 2,700 tons of CO2 emissions annually, an effect equivalent to planting over 120,000 trees. He claimed urban noise would be substantially decreased, especially in residential areas.

The official recalled that his ministry has launched a car-sharing system in Skopje with the first 100 electric vehicles and a public system for electric scooters and bicycles in several cities.

In cooperation with the European Union, through the EU for Clean Air program, six electric buses were donated to the City of Skopje, capacities to monitor air pollution have been increased, and tens of thousands of seedlings have been planted across the country, Mexhiti added.

According to Abdullah Rushiti, the president of the union, the greatest benefit of the project is the clean air for the citizens. Three to four thousand taxi drivers operate in Skopje every day, which adds significantly to pollution, he pointed out.

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June 26, 2025
by in News

Hitachi Energy: Game-changing solutions for a sustainable energy future

Hitachi Energy, a global leader in energy technology, develops system solutions and offers products and services that actively contribute to sustainable energy and a better future, Igor Anđelković, the company’s Country Marketing and Sales Leader in Serbia, said at Belgrade Energy Forum 2025. Game-changing technologies for high-voltage grids and transportation, along with solutions for renewables integration, support decarbonization efforts and deliver added value to both clients and local communities.

Multinational company Hitachi Energy, a silver sponsor of the BEF 2025 conference, is present in the Southeast Europe region through its Balkan Cluster, which covers seven markets – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia, Kosovo*, North Macedonia, and Serbia.

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Inspiring the next era of sustainable energy

Since 2010, Hitachi Energy has implemented eco-efficient solutions for high-voltage grids of up to 550kV. The company’s innovative and eco-efficient EconiQ® high-voltage portfolio applies revolutionary technology free of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) and proven to significantly reduce carbon footprint throughout the life cycle.

The high-voltage EconiQ® roadmap demonstrates the scalability of this technology, which allows customers and industry to quickly transition to eco-efficient solutions.

Photo (Hitachi Energy): Hitachi Energy has implemented eco-efficient solutions for high-voltage grids of up to 550kV

Now more than ever, pioneering technologies like EconiQ are needed to advance a sustainable energy future, says Anđelkovic.

Efficient renewables integration

In the renewable energy segment, Hitachi Energy offers a range of substation solutions that help to efficiently integrate renewable energy into the transmission grid and distribution network. This includes grid connection solutions for all types of renewables power plants.

Hitachi solutions are used in a large number of wind projects in Southeast Europe

The major projects in Southeast Europe, completed or in the implementation phase, which use Hitachi Energy’s technology are wind farms Pupin and Crni Vrh in Serbia, Gvozd in Montenegro, Komanje Brdo and Ivan Sedlo in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Pometeno Brdo and Korlat in Croatia.

Photo (Hitachi Energy): Hitachi Energy offers a range of substation solutions that help to efficiently integrate renewable energy into the transmission grid and distribution network

Driving transportation and energy towards carbon neutrality

Hitachi Energy is also committed to decarbonizing the transportation sector. Its revolutionary ‘grid-to-plug’ electric vehicle charging system, called Grid-eMotion® Fleet, is a smart mobility solution that enables operators to efficiently scale up their operations and is expected to contribute to sustainable society for millions living in urban areas.

Grid-eMotion® Fleet marks a game-changing shift from a charger-product based approach to a charging-system based approach, which helps to accelerate the future of smart mobility.

Hitachi Energy has been pioneering EV charging solutions since 2013, when it first introduced innovative flash-charging eBus solutions in Geneva and Nantes.

Advanced technologies for smart airports

With its innovative solutions, Hitachi Energy has made significant advancements in air traffic as well, with the development of smart airports being one of its key innovations. This includes advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), video analytics, and 3D LiDAR to improve the passenger experience and improve airport operational efficiency.

Hitachi Energy also helps airport to decarbonize and become more sustainable with its electrification and digitization solutions.

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* This designation is without prejudice to positions onstatus and is in line with UNSCR 1244/99 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.