North Macedonia is making significant strides in its energy sector transformation, driven by substantial investments in renewable energy and climate resilience initiatives. Cities such as Skopje, Bitola, and Tetovo are leading this charge with programs focused on enhancing energy efficiency and minimizing environmental impact.
In 2022, Skopje allocated approximately 24 million denars (around 400,000 euros) to subsidize the adoption of inverter-climate systems, aiming to improve air quality and reduce household energy consumption. Bitola has a strong track record, having provided 2.7 million euros in subsidies for 3,206 inverter-climate systems between 2019 and 2025. Tetovo supported 1,590 households with 1.5 million euros for similar energy-efficient systems in 2020-2021. Nationally, the government provided 10 million euros in subsidies to 10,000 households for inverter-climate system installations in 2019. The Ministry of Economy plans to issue over 7,000 vouchers in 2024 to further encourage the adoption of these technologies, contributing to energy efficiency and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
North Macedonia has committed to phasing out coal by 2027 and targets 38% renewable energy consumption by 2030, as detailed in its National Energy and Climate Plan. The country is leveraging its significant solar energy potential through projects like the Oslomej solar park. Key international partners, including the European Union and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), are providing crucial financial support through grants and loans for solar photovoltaic projects and wind farms, such as the Bogdanci Wind Park. In 2023, the EU contributed €80 million as part of an energy support package to address the energy crisis and accelerate the green transition.
Energy efficiency is also a major focus, with initiatives like subsidies for window replacements and the establishment of a national energy efficiency fund addressing the needs of older building stock. The UN joint program, the Green Finance Facility, offers affordable financing for small and medium-sized enterprises and underserved households for renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. These comprehensive efforts highlight North Macedonia's commitment to a sustainable energy future, aiming to decrease fossil fuel dependency, improve air quality, and align with European climate objectives.