How does North Macedonia generate electricity?

North Macedonia has historically relied on hydropower for a significant portion of its electricity generation. The country has utilized its rivers to develop hydropower plants. There have been also efforts to harness wind energy, and several wind projects have been proposed or are under development.

How has North Macedonia adapted to the energy transition?

North Macedonia has advanced significantly in the energy transition in recent years. The country is conducting renewable energy auctions, replacing coal with solar power and gas at full speed, and is signing strategic investment deals for large wind parks and photovoltaic plants.

Does North Macedonia have a wind farm?

North Macedonia has a 36.8 MW wind farm at Bogdanci and has received EU and KfW financing to expand it. It was the first country in the Western Balkan region to put into operation a sizeable wind facility. Its second wind farm, the 36-MW Bogoslovec, was officially opened in mid-2024.

What changes did North Macedonia make to its energy policy?

While there were no other major energy legislative changes, North Macedonia continues to harmonize its energy sub-regulations with the EU Energy Community’s Third Energy Package (TEP).

How many power plants are there in North Macedonia?

The electric power production system in North Macedonia consists of two coal power plants with a total installed capacity of 825 megawatts (MW), several hydro power plants with a total installed capacity of 695 MW, one combined generation power plant, a heavy oil plant, solar power plants, a few biogas plants, and two wind power farms.

Does North Macedonia still have a coal power plant?

The smaller coal power plant, “REK Oslomej,” which was dormant through 2020, was reactivated in 2021 to help North Macedonia reduce its reliance on electricity imports. ESM refurbished the “REK Bitola” coal power plant boilers in 2017, but its equipment is still largely outdated.