Millions of Euros for Coal — ESM Buys 350,000 Tonnes in Just Two Months
In June and July ESM signed three procurement contracts for coal; the first 100,000 tonnes cost 5.3 million euros and will be delivered by Protergia Energy.
The state company ESM signed contracts within two months for the procurement of a total of 350,000 tonnes of coal for the needs of REK Bitola. The first 100,000 tonnes, contracted at the beginning of June, cost 5.3 million euros and will be delivered by the Greek company Protergia Energy.
In the public tender — an open system with a procurement contract for 100,000 tonnes of coal for the needs of REK Bitola, which was closed on June 4, the economic operator Protergia Energy DOOEL was selected. The contract was concluded at a price of 449 denars per gigajoule, ESM says.
New quantities in June and July
After the first 100,000 tonnes, at the end of June a new contract was made for an additional 100,000 tonnes, and in mid-July a contract was signed for another 150,000 tonnes. In total, 350,000 tonnes of coal were contracted during the two-month period. The tender that ensures the required coal is open until the beginning of October.
The company Protergia Energy DOOEL has been a regular supplier of the necessary fuel for the country's thermal power plants for some time; it is owned by Mytilineos, a company that belongs to the large Greek energy group. ([ar2022.mytilineos.com](https://ar2022.mytilineos.com/en/annual-financial-statements/notes-financial-statements/information-mytilineos?utm_source=openai))
ESM clarified that due to the depletion of domestic mines, coal imports are increasing. According to the annual report, last year less coal was purchased, but more fuel oil (mazut) was used for the needs of the two plants — REK and Oslomej — which cost over 30 million euros. Parts of the supply were covered for a period with fuel oil from the state reserves. ([esm.com.mk](https://www.esm.com.mk/?page_id=2605&utm_source=openai))
The minimal electricity production in 2025, despite published estimates of just over 5,000 megawatt-hours, increased concerns about long-term energy stability and prompted additional coal purchases until permanent technical and resource solutions are secured.
Irena Chachkova
Photo: press material from the event
