Electricity in North Macedonia in 2024/2025
In the period from September 2024 to August 2025, electricity consumption in North Macedonia predominantly relied on fossil fuels, accounting for more than half of the energy mix. Specifically, about 52% of electricity came from fossil energy sources, including coal and gas, with coal alone contributing nearly 36% and gas making up around 17%. Net imports formed a significant portion at more than a third, highlighting the country's reliance on external sources. In contrast, low-carbon energy sources were responsible for less than 14% of electricity, with hydropower contributing the majority at about 12%, and wind power adding close to none at nearly 2%. The current reliance on fossil fuels and imports underscores a pressing need for the nation to enhance its self-sufficiency through sustainable energy practices and infrastructure improvements.
Is Electricity Growing in North Macedonia?
Addressing the question of whether electricity consumption is growing in North Macedonia reveals a disconcerting trend. In 2025, the electricity use per person was 3322 kWh, notably lower than the historical peak of 4624 kWh/person recorded in 2011. This marks a significant decrease of over 1300 kWh/person. Even more concerning is the decline in low-carbon electricity generation, which was just 462 kWh/person in 2025—a stark drop from the all-time high of 1217 kWh/person documented in 2023. This negative shift of 755 kWh/person presents serious challenges to sustainable electricity development and hints at an urgent need to reverse this trend to meet increasing energy demands sustainably.
Suggestions
To expand its low-carbon electricity generation, North Macedonia could learn from regions excelling in nuclear and solar energy, particularly given their successful integration into the energy mix. Countries like France and Slovakia stand testament to the potential benefits of nuclear power, producing over 60% of their electricity through nuclear means. Meanwhile, Lebanon illustrates the promising potential of solar energy, generating close to a third of its electricity from solar installations. Emulating such strategies, North Macedonia could leverage advancements in nuclear technology and tap into its solar potential, given the favorable Mediterranean climate, to substantially increase its share of clean electricity and reduce reliance on fossil fuels and imports, thereby positioning itself as a regional leader in sustainable energy practices.
History
Reflecting on North Macedonia's history of low-carbon electricity production, there have been sporadic fluctuations primarily in hydroelectric output. In the early 1990s, there was initial growth followed by a reduction in the mid-decade. The early 2000s echoed a similar pattern with notable increases in certain years, like a significant rise in 2010, and declines shortly thereafter. The 2010s were marked by variability, with several ups and downs, pointing to instability in maintaining consistent hydroelectric output. The significant addition of solar energy in 2023 was a positive development, yet hydro saw another decline in the following years. This history emphasizes a critical need for strategic planning and investments in stable and diversified low-carbon sources like nuclear and solar energy to mitigate declines and ensure the country's energy resilience and sustainability.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.