Can North Macedonia develop solar energy?

The potential for solar energy development in North Macedonia is vast. With estimates suggesting that the country could harness up to 11 GW of solar PV capacity, there is significant room for growth.

How will a new solar plant help Macedonia?

Andi Aranitasi, EBRD Head of North Macedonia, said: “The new solar plant will help the country, which faces severe air pollution from coal, to reduce its reliance on ageing coal-fired infrastructure. It will also generate cheap electricity in times of very high market prices.

How much electricity will North Macedonia produce a year?

This means that if only a half of these priority locations were built out, they could produce 7.7 terawatt-hours of electricity per year—which exceeds North Macedonia’s current electricity consumption and could even fully cover the estimated electricity consumption in 2030 under the energy efficient scenario of the NECP.

How much solar power does Macedonia have in 2022?

By the end of 2022, the country had reached a photovoltaic capacity of approximately 144 MW, with projections indicating rapid growth in the coming years. In 2023 alone, North Macedonia saw an impressive increase in solar capacity, with new installations contributing to a total increase of 251% compared to the previous year.

What are the benefits of expanding solar energy capacity in North Macedonia?

One of the most compelling benefits of expanding solar energy capacity in North Macedonia is its potential to enhance energy independence. In 2021, approximately 33.2% of North Macedonia's electricity consumption was covered by imports.

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.