North Macedonia’s energy mix is primarily driven by fossil fuels, with coal (lignite) accounting for approximately 40–47% of electricity generation, supplemented by 20–25% from hydropower, based on 2023–2024 data. The country relies heavily on imports for oil and natural gas, while rapidly increasing solar PV capacity. The energy sector is transitioning, focusing on reducing reliance on aging coal plants and expanding renewable sources to meet climate targets. The nation relies on external energy to meet its total demand, with net imports covering a significant portion of electricity.
North Macedonia is aggressively pursuing a green hydrogen strategy to phase out coal by 2030 and decarbonize its energy sector. The country is currently transitioning from a thermal-dominant power grid to one powered by massive solar, wind, and hydrogen-ready gas infrastructure.
Major Projects and Infrastructure
- Gas-Hydrogen Power Plants: The government has launched projects to build two major regional power plants designed to be “hydrogen-ready”:
- Cross-Border Interconnector: Construction has begun on a 66.7 km gas pipeline (interconnector) between Gevgelija and Negotino, linking North Macedonia to the Alexandroupolis LNG terminal in Greece. This pipeline is designed to transport both natural gas and green hydrogen.
- Waste-to-Hydrogen Plant: Hydrogen Utopia International (HUI) is developing a facility to produce hydrogen from non-recyclable waste plastics.
Projects are supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European Investment Bank (EIB), and the Joint SDG Fund.