Is North Macedonia ready for renewables?

There are several renewables projects underway in North Macedonia, making the country an unexpected frontrunner in the region as it embarks on its energy transition. The Energy Community said recently that North Macedonia remains the only country in the Western Balkans that has expressed its intent to gradually phase-out coal.

Who produces electricity in North Macedonia?

The main entity in North Macedonia for electricity production is a state owned company Elektrani na Makedonija (ELEM), with ~70% of the total installed capacity. ELEM is the owner of the two large coal fired thermal power plants, Bitola and Oslomej.

Is North Macedonia a state-owned power company?

North Macedonia’s state-owned power company was unbundled and partially privatized in the early 2000s. Austrian utility company EVN has been responsible for electricity distribution in North Macedonia since entering the market in 2006.

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, a few solar power plants, a few biogas plants, and one wind power farm.

Will North Macedonia improve its electricity balance?

In the Moderate scenario, following the substantial import increases following the entrance in the ETS in the period 2025- 2029, North Macedonia will substantially improve its electricity balance reaching a negative balance of 8% vs. 27% in 2017 (Figure 5.65).

How much energy does North Macedonia use?

According to that, estimated primary energy consumption in North Macedonia will reach 3,014 ktoe in 2020. This means that North Macedonia will keep the primary energy consumption according to the ‘individual cap consumption’ set for the EnC countries, which is 3,270 ktoe.