Accelerating Renewable Energy Deployment and Just Transition in the Western Balkans: Energy Community Centre for Permitting and Planning

The Energy Community Secretariat and the Municipality of Bitola have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) launching the pilot project Renewables for Just Transition in the Bitola–Novaci Region. The initiative, implemented under the Open Society Foundations Western Balkans -  Accelerating Renewable Energy Deployment and Just Transition in the Western Balkans: Energy Community Centre for Permitting and Planning, represents an important step in supporting North Macedonia's energy transition while creating a practical model for accelerating renewable energy deployment across the Western Balkans.

Located in the Pelagonia region, Bitola and neighbouring Novaci are at the heart of North Macedonia's coal transition. The project seeks to support the transformation of this traditionally coal-dependent region into a future-oriented hub for renewable energy investments, economic diversification and sustainable development. Close cooperation with the Municipality of Novaci, national authorities, the state-owned electricity company ESM and other stakeholders will ensure that the pilot contributes to regional planning and long-term just transition objectives.

The Renewables for Just Transition in the Bitola–Novaci Region pilot project provides comprehensive technical assistance to accelerate renewable energy deployment in line with EU legislation – thus supporting the development of renewable energy as a key driver of the region's economic transformation. Project participants include the Municipality of Bitola, with close cooperation from the Municipality of Novaci, national authorities, ESM and other stakeholders.

The project starts with a review of existing municipal strategies, spatial plans and planning frameworks to identify opportunities for integrating renewable energy development. It  analyses available GIS, environmental, land-use, biodiversity, grid infrastructure and socio-economic data to identify suitable areas for Renewable Acceleration Areas (RAAs). Based on this assessment, the project develops screening methodologies, planning criteria and mapping tools to support the designation of suitable sites, including degraded land, former mining areas, brownfields, industrial zones and other locations with a high potential for renewables.

The assessment of opportunities to repurpose land and infrastructure associated with the REK Bitola coal complex and the wider coal-transition area is a key activity. The project identifies renewable energy investment opportunities, explores pathways for economic diversification and supports the development of energy communities in accordance with just transition principles.

In parallel, the project strengthens the institutional and technical capacities of local authorities by supporting improved spatial planning, streamlined permitting procedures and inter-institutional coordination. It will facilitate cooperation between municipal, national and regional authorities and promote knowledge exchange with other pilot projects and international partners.

The Energy Community Secretariat and the Municipality of Elbasan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) launching the pilot project Renewables for Industrial Decarbonisation in Elbasan. The initiative, implemented under the Open Society Foundations Western Balkans -  Accelerating Renewable Energy Deployment and Just Transition in the Western Balkans: Energy Community Centre for Permitting and Planning, marks an important milestone in supporting Albania's energy transition while demonstrating how renewable energy deployment can accelerate industrial decarbonisation and sustainable economic development.

Elbasan has established itself as a national and regional frontrunner in climate action, sustainable urban development and renewable energy deployment. The municipality has adopted an ambitious policy framework, including its Climate City Contract, participation in the EU Mission for 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030, the NetZeroCities Pilot City programme, the Elbasan 2030 Strategy, its Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP), the Territorial Development Plan and the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan.

Building on these achievements, the Municipality of Elbasan is developing Albania's first municipally led Renewable Acceleration Area (RAA) to accelerate renewable energy deployment while supporting the city's industrial transformation and climate-neutral development. The project focuses on identifying and preparing municipally owned degraded land, brownfields and other suitable sites for renewable energy investments through streamlined planning and permitting procedures in line with the revised EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED III).

Building on Elbasan's status as an EU Mission Label Climate-Neutral City and its existing climate and decarbonisation strategies, the project will carry out technical, environmental and spatial screening of candidate sites, assess grid and storage requirements, and establish an efficient permitting framework, including the potential for a municipal one-stop shop for renewable energy projects.

The pilot directly supports the green transformation of the former metallurgical area by facilitating the supply of affordable renewable electricity to the emerging low-carbon steel industry and other local consumers. At the same time, it will create a replicable model for Renewable Acceleration Areas that can be adopted by other municipalities in Albania and across the Western Balkans, contributing to national renewable energy targets, the Energy Community's permitting reforms, and the EU Growth Plan for the region.