In the period from July 2025 to June 2026, electricity consumption in North Macedonia shows a diverse energy mix, with nearly half (49.25%) coming from low-carbon sources. This includes significant contributions from solar energy, which provides over a fifth (20%) of electricity, and hydropower, supplying roughly a quarter (24%). Wind energy accounts for a smaller section, providing close to 5% of the total. Of the remaining electricity production, more than 40% comes from fossil fuels, with coal being the largest contributor at over a quarter (25.5%) and gas at around 14%. A little more than 10% of electricity consumption is fulfilled by net imports, indicating a level of dependency on external energy sources.

Is Electricity Growing in North Macedonia?

Electricity consumption per person in North Macedonia reached 3,857 kWh in 2026. This figure sits below the historic peak consumption of 4,624 kWh per person recorded in 2011, marking a decline of approximately 766 kWh per person. Additionally, the latest figures for low-carbon electricity generation per person are slightly lower than the previous record from 2025, with a decrease of 11 kWh per person. These declines suggest that electricity growth has not occurred, presenting a concerning trend for meeting future demand. The focus needs to be on increasing the share of low-carbon electricity to ensure sustainable growth and reduce the country's reliance on fossil fuels, which contribute to climate change and air pollution.

Suggestions

To boost low-carbon electricity generation, North Macedonia could expand its existing solar infrastructure given its already substantial role in the energy mix. Learning from other regions like Nevada, where solar energy contributes 35% to the electricity mix, North Macedonia can maximize its solar potential. Additionally, incorporating lessons from nuclear energy leaders such as France and Slovakia, where nuclear accounts for 67% and 66% respectively, could propel North Macedonia's energy transition. Ensuring diversification with investment in both solar and potentially new nuclear capabilities would set North Macedonia on a sustainable path toward energy independence and environmental responsibility, drawing valuable insights from both neighboring and high-performing regions worldwide.

History

Historically, North Macedonia's journey with low-carbon electricity has seen a mix of ups and downs, especially in hydropower. In the early 1990s, fluctuations were evident, beginning with an increase in hydropower in 1991 and a notable decline in 1993. Following years saw similar patterns, with considerable rises in 2003 and 2010, but equivalent reductions in 2007 and 2011 respectively. More recently, solar power has gained a foothold, showing growth in 2024 and 2025, albeit with a minor setback in 2026. Despite this erratic progression, the potential for clean energy expansion remains high, and focus should be directed towards realizing this potential, for which strong and sustainable strategies are essential.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (Jul 2025 – Jun 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.