Solar power generation systems in North Macedonia

The first four projects are solar power plants Pehčevo and Stipion, cogeneration facility Skopje, and a photovoltaic plant with gas engines. In 2020, North Macedonia passed the Law on Strategic Investments to encourage, attract, and create conditions for the implementation of strategic investments. [pdf]

FAQS about Solar power generation systems in North Macedonia

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).

What is the current state of solar energy in North Macedonia?

This article explores the current state of solar energy in North Macedonia, the opportunities for growth, and the challenges that must be addressed to maximize its potential. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

North Macedonia Mining Market Energy Storage Project

US-based Pomega Energy Storage Technologies, a company specializing in lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery production, has secured a contract to install a 62-megawatt (MW) / 104-megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS) at the Oslomej 80-megawatt-peak (MWp) solar power plant in North Macedonia. [pdf]

North Macedonia energy storage project benefits

Here are some key points:Cost: Lithium-ion batteries for storage are averaging €450–€600 per kWh1.Investments: The country is attracting investments in battery factories, with projects worth up to EUR 360 million underway2.Hybrid Solutions: There are initiatives combining lithium-ion batteries with other technologies for effective energy storage3.Energy Storage Projects: The North Macedonia Energy Storage Container Project is a significant development aimed at enhancing renewable energy integration4.Local Production: A new factory for lithium-ion battery systems is being established, with an investment of €65 million5. [pdf] [pdf]

FAQS about North Macedonia energy storage project benefits

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 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.

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.

Is North Macedonia a biodiversity hotspot?

However, despite its small land area, North Macedonia also stands out as a biodiversity hotspot, housing a significant portion of Europe’s biodiversity. This includes 64% of the continent's bird species and 34% of mammal species—all on an area smaller than 0.3% of the European subcontinent.

Is North Macedonia a good candidate for smart sitting?

Seeing the country’s forward-thinking approach to renewables and natural beauty, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) identified North Macedonia as a prime candidate for the implementation of the smart siting approach currently being undertaken in Croatia and Serbia as well.