Energy storage huggins North Macedonia

Should North Macedonia accelerate the transition to renewables?

Like others in the region, North Macedonia must balance its need to rapidly accelerate the transition to renewables to secure its energy future with the need to ensure that future is one where both the country’s nature and people thrive.

How much solar power does North Macedonia have?

Solar power Built on a former lignite open pit mining site, North Macedonia's Oslomej solar park will have an installed capacity of 120 MW when fully completed. © Ciril Jazbec

How many power plants are there in North Macedonia in 2022?

The electric power generation capacity in North Macedonia in 2022 mainly consisted of two coal thermal power plants with a total of 824 MW installed capacity, nine large hydropower plants with 571 MW installed capacity, 123 small hydropower plants with 148 MW installed capacity and three gas CHP plants with 287 MW installed capacity.

Does North Macedonia need a coal phase-out?

Even though the country has historically been dependent on lignite coal mining for around 30% and gas imports for an additional 15% of its electricity production, it has nonetheless set very ambitious goals for decarbonization. As part of the Powering Past Coal Alliance, North Macedonia has committed to a coal phase-out by 2027.

What type of electricity does North Macedonia use?

North Macedonia relies predominantly on fossil fuels (low-grade lignite and gas) and hydropower, and is dependent on electricity imports. The total generation of electricity in 2022 was 5,634 GWh, and another 1,471 GWh was imported to satisfy the total domestic electricity demand.

Are there open cast lignite mines in Macedonia?

There are two operational open cast lignite mines – Suvudol and Brod-Gneotino. According to North Macedonia’s 2023 Just Transition Roadmap, Suvodol has enough coal for two years and Brod-Gneotino for ten years the way they currently operate. However, reality is not following the NECP.