How many solar plants are there in North Macedonia?

This is a huge number for North Macedonia as the biggest solar plant at the moment is only 17MW, with the second biggest being 10MW. According to the RKE 2022 Annual Report, 267 new renewable energy power plants are currently in the works (with solar plants having the biggest part - 254 plants).

Does North Macedonia need electricity?

Although North Macedonia’s renewable energy potential is huge (especially solar), the country is still dependent on importing electricity –imported electricity constitutes around 30% of the overall gross consumption.

Which energy sources are used in North Macedonia?

At the moment, most of the electricity in North Macedonia is produced from thermal power plants with coal as the primary energy source. The share of the renewable energy sources in the total installed capacity in North Macedonia is 38%, with most of the renewable energy coming from large hydro powerplants.

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.

Who built the first solar plant in North Macedonia?

The 10MW solar plant, built on the site of the spent Oslomej lignite coal mine, was constructed by the public company JSC Elektrani na Severna Makedonija (ESM). This is the company’s first solar plant in North Macedonia, developed with a view to diversifying energy sources and supporting decarbonisation.

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.