North Macedonia Energy Storage Power Station Solar Power Generation

How many power plants are there in North Macedonia?

The electric power production system in North Macedonia consists of two coal power plants with a total installed capacity of 825 megawatts (MW), several hydro power plants with a total installed capacity of 695 MW, one combined generation power plant, a heavy oil plant, solar power plants, a few biogas plants, and two wind power farms.

Is North Macedonia ready for renewables?

There are several renewables projects underway in North Macedonia, making the country an unexpected frontrunner in the region as it embarks on its energy transition. The Energy Community said recently that North Macedonia remains the only country in the Western Balkans that has expressed its intent to gradually phase-out coal.

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.

Does North Macedonia still have a coal power plant?

The smaller coal power plant, “REK Oslomej,” which was dormant through 2020, was reactivated in 2021 to help North Macedonia reduce its reliance on electricity imports. ESM refurbished the “REK Bitola” coal power plant boilers in 2017, but its equipment is still largely outdated.

How is electricity produced in North Macedonia?

North Macedonia is a net importer and domestic electricity is produced almost entirely from ESM’s power plants. Electricity imports amount to approximately 20-30% of the total domestic electricity consumption and are mostly required to meet peak winter demand.