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.

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.

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 ESM refurbished the “REK Bitola” coal power plant boilers in 2017, but its equipment is still largely outdated.

Is North Macedonia a state-owned power company?

North Macedonia’s state-owned power company was unbundled and partially privatized in the early 2000s. Austrian utility company EVN has been responsible for electricity distribution in North Macedonia since entering the market in 2006.

What changes did North Macedonia make to its energy policy?

While there were no other major energy legislative changes, North Macedonia continues to harmonize its energy sub-regulations with the EU Energy Community’s Third Energy Package (TEP).

Why did North Macedonia come out of the winter 2022 energy crisis?

North Macedonia came out of the winter-2022 energy crisis, driven in part by the war in Ukraine and lack of diversity in gas suppliers, with a better appreciation for the importance oof resilience and redundance in the energy sector.