Energy Policy
In October 2005 the Macedonian Parliament signed the Energy Community Treaty in Athens, bringing together 8 South-Eastern European states (Albania, Bosnia Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, Serbia Montenegro and the United Nations Mission in Kosovo, UNMIK) and the European Union for the creation of an integrated energy market. This treaty also reinforced the legal bases for the creation of an independent energy market regulator.
In 2010, because of the country's heavy dependence on imported energy, the bad conditions of the energy production system and the inefficiency of energy production and use, Macedonia adopted a Strategy for Energy Development until 2030. The goals of the program are to modernize existing infrastructures and build new facilities, using renewables and natural gas and favoring domestic resources for electricity production. it also aims to improve energy efficiency, introduce economic energy prices and integrate the energy sector in the regional and European markets.
According to the Energy Strategy until 2030, renewables are expected to account for 24,7% of electricity generation and 21% of final energy consumption, by 2020. In the same year the Strategy for the Improvement of Energy Efficiency in the Republic of North Macedonia by 2020 was adopted.
The objective of the Energy Efficiency Strategy is to develop a framework for accelerating the adoption of energy efficiency practices in a sustainable fashion through the implementation of a series of programs and initiatives that are linked to creating reduction of import dependence, energy intensity, the non-productive use of electricity, preparing a good climate to maximize the involvement of and opportunities for the private sector, and training activities.
The final result of achieving this objective will be the realization of over 9 percent energy savings till 2018, compared to average consumption in the observed 5 years period (2002-2006), with continued promotion of energy efficiency and monitoring and verification until 2020. In 2010, the Strategy for Utilization of Renewable Energy Sources in the Republic of Macedonia by 2020 was adopted.
The global commitment to environmental protection and in particular to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, Macedonia's dependence on energy imports, as well as the need to secure greater variety and thereby reliability on energy supply undoubtedly impose the need for an increased share of renewable energy sources in the final energy consumption.
The main objective of the Strategy is to provide information on the potential and possible exploitation of renewable energy sources in the Republic of Macedonia. In February 2011, a new Energy Law was adopted to transpose EU legislation into national law. The law includes a new model for electricity and gas markets. It aims to introduce new forms of energy trading, promote real competition in the electricity market, and increase transparency. The powers of the ERC have also been reinforced, thereby creating the necessary conditions for the full opening of the electricity and natural gas markets.
The Rulebook for Renewables was adopted in 2011. The Rulebook for High Efficiency Cogenerative Plants was adopted in 2011. The Ordinance for Eligible Producers of Electricity from Renewable Energy Sources was adopted in 2012 by the Energy Regulatory Commission of the Republic of Macedonia. The Rulebook on Building Energy Control and the Rulebook on Building Energy Performances were adopted in 2013. Meanwhile certain amendments to the Energy Law, such as general compliance with the EU Directive on energy efficiency, especially energy audits of buildings were adopted.
Last update: 06 2022