Electricity in North Macedonia in 2023/2024

Over the last year, from November 2023 to October 2024, North Macedonia's electricity consumption has been primarily reliant on fossil fuels and imports, with coal accounting for more than 40% of the generation. In total, fossil energy sources contribute over half of the electricity, around 58%, supplemented by a significant portion of imports, which make up about 22.5%. Low-carbon sources, including both hydro and wind, only contribute roughly 19% to the total electricity mix. Hydropower plays the most significant role in low-carbon generation at almost 17.5%, while wind energy contributes a smaller, yet essential, portion of 1.67%. Additionally, gas contributes 18%, aligning with the traditional reliance on fossil fuel sources.

Suggestions

To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, North Macedonia could draw lessons from countries with similar backgrounds that have successfully increased their use of clean energy, particularly nuclear and wind power. For instance, Slovakia and Bulgaria have made substantial investments in nuclear energy, generating 60% and 42% of their electricity from this source, respectively. Both nations share historical and economic attributes with North Macedonia, making their pathways potentially applicable. Furthermore, Denmark and Slovenia's significant reliance on wind and nuclear power, respectively, demonstrate viable routes for transitioning to cleaner electricity. By considering investments in nuclear and wind infrastructure, North Macedonia can diversify its energy portfolio and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and imports.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity in North Macedonia reveals a fluctuating reliance on hydropower over the decades. In the 1990s, hydropower experienced modest increases and decreases, with notable expansions in 1991 and 1999 but declines in 1993, 2000, and 2001. The 2000s observed some volatile changes as well, such as a significant increase in 2009 followed by a major decrease the next year. More recently, from 2010 onwards, there were alternating rises and declines, demonstrating the unpredictability of hydropower contributions. Notably, in 2023, solar power began contributing positively with a modest increase of 0.3 TWh, providing a glimmer of hope for diversifying clean energy sources in the country. These historical insights highlight the need for strategic investments in stable low-carbon sources like nuclear, alongside enhancing solar and wind capacities.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Maximum Imports

Data Sources