Electricity in North Macedonia in 2023

As of 2023, North Macedonia's electricity consumption mainly relies on fossil energy, with more than half of it coming from fossil fuels, totaling around 4.76 TWh. Coal alone accounts for nearly 3 TWh of that, and gas contributes another 1.39 TWh. Low-carbon or clean energy sources form a significantly smaller slice of the electricity pie, contributing about 2.27 TWh in total. Hydropower makes up the bulk of the low-carbon share with around 1.65 TWh, and solar energy has just started to make its mark with a modest 0.3 TWh. Compared to the global average electricity consumption of 432 watts per person, North Macedonia's current levels are substantially lower, which could impede economic growth, technological advancement, and general well-being due to limited access to clean, reliable power.

Suggestions

To elevate its low-carbon electricity generation, North Macedonia can look to successful examples from around the world. Countries like Germany, which generated 137 TWh from wind energy, and Spain, which produced 64 TWh, illustrate the potential that wind power holds even for smaller countries. Similarly, solar power has been effectively harnessed by countries like India and Germany, which generated 113 TWh and 62 TWh respectively. By investing in wind and solar energy infrastructure, North Macedonia can increase its clean energy output while reducing its dependence on fossil fuels. Additionally, looking at nuclear energy as a robust, consistent energy source could be highly beneficial. Countries such as Belgium and Czechia, similar in size and economic profile to North Macedonia, generate around 33 TWh and 30 TWh from nuclear energy, showcasing the feasibility and benefits of diversifying into nuclear power for sustainable electricity.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity in North Macedonia shows a fluctuating trend in hydropower generation over the decades. In the early 1990s, hydro contributions were modest, with a slight increase of 0.4 TWh in 1991, but a decrease of 0.3 TWh by 1993. The late 1990s saw a moderate increase, peaking in 1999 with an increase of 0.3 TWh. However, the early 2000s marked significant volatility, including a spike of 0.6 TWh in 2003 followed by a sharp drop of 0.6 TWh in 2007. The period between 2009 and 2011 experienced a massive surge with an increase of 1.2 TWh in 2010, only to sharply decrease by 1 TWh the next year. In more recent years, while fluctuations continue, there seems to be a consistent annual trend, with increases offset by occasional declines. Notably, in 2023, there is a promising addition of 0.3 TWh each from hydro and solar, indicating a growing diversification in the energy portfolio. This trend presents a pivotal opportunity for North Macedonia to build a more stable and sustainable low-carbon electricity generation system.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Maximum Imports

Data Sources