The initial kick-off meeting of the GoToTWIN project was held at the Center for Technology Transfer and Innovations INNOFEIT, part of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technologies at the “St. Cyril and Methodius” University in Skopje. The meeting gathered representatives from seven partner organizations and nine associated institutions from various countries within the Adriatic-Ionian region. During the meeting, the project’s primary objectives were outlined, participants’ roles and responsibilities were defined, and the three-year implementation timeline was presented. Discussions focused on planned activities and the main goals of the GoToTWIN project, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and effective communication throughout the project.
FEIT’s Vice Dean for Finance and Industry Cooperation, Prof. Dr. Zivko Kokolanski, highlighted the project’s goal of enhancing the innovative capacities of the Adriatic-Ionian region. He provided an overview of the project’s relevance and necessity.
“The GoToTWIN project is a key step toward boosting innovative capacities and facilitating a green energy transition in the Adriatic-Ionian region. With digital twin technology, we can manage renewable energy sources more efficiently, significantly increasing their performance and supporting broader green energy adoption. This project will contribute to the region’s energy independence, reduce harmful emissions, and promote the gradual shift to green energy,” Prof. Dr. Kokolanski stated.
He also emphasized the role of digital twin technology in advancing environmental protection: “This technology enhances system reliability, enables real-time monitoring, and provides advanced data analytics such as predictive maintenance. It will aid in optimizing energy resource utilization and ensuring sustainable development in the region,” Prof. Dr. Kokolanski added, stressing the importance of integrating new technologies for long-term energy stability and environmental preservation.
Prof. Dr. Valentina Janev, from the Mihajlo Pupin Institute in Belgrade, Serbia, underscored the project’s potential to strengthen cooperation and facilitate knowledge exchange in renewable energy management.
“At FEIT’s invitation, the Mihajlo Pupin Institute is participating in establishing a digital twin platform for integrating renewable energy sources. These technologies showcase the sustainable development potential of the Adriatic-Ionian region. The institute has been active in Serbia’s and the region’s energy sector for decades. For us, the GoToTWIN project is another opportunity to foster cooperation among key regional players, providing a platform for exchanging knowledge and expertise in renewable energy management. The goal for all partners is to demonstrate that domestic innovations can address upcoming challenges in power systems,” Prof. Dr. Janev remarked.
Zuica Zmejkovska, National Coordinator for the IPA ADRION program from the Ministry of European Affairs of North Macedonia, expressed her satisfaction that, during the program’s first call, an institution from North Macedonia was selected as the project’s lead partner.
“I was deeply honored to participate in the launch of a project led by FEEIT. This is North Macedonia’s first involvement in the IPA ADRION program, and it is a source of pride that we have an institution leading the project. This demonstrates that our institutions recognize the importance of territorial and project-based cooperation at both the Balkan and Adriatic-Ionian levels to address common issues and develop shared solutions. I hope that we will see an increasing number of projects funded through this program and others available to us,” Zmejkovska commented.
GoToTWIN is FEEIT’s second project under the Interreg IPA ADRION program. The project, with a total budget of €1.7 million, is scheduled to last three years and is co-financed by the European Union. The project implementation began on September 1, 2024, with FEEIT serving as the lead partner.
