Electricity in North Macedonia in 2025
In 2025, electricity consumption in North Macedonia is largely driven by fossil fuels, with almost half of its electricity coming from these sources. Coal alone contributes nearly a third to this figure, and gas adds an additional segment of almost a sixth. Net imports also play a significant role, making up just over a third of the total electricity supply, emphasizing the nation's reliance on external energy sources. On the cleaner side, low-carbon energy sources form a relatively small part of the mix, accounting for around 14% of the total consumption. Within this category, hydropower is the most substantial contributor, making up more than 12%, whereas wind energy contributes close to none with a meager share of just under 1.5%.
Data sources used on this page include ENTSOE and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in North Macedonia?
Electricity consumption in North Macedonia appears to be on a declining trend, as illustrated by the drop from the previous peak consumption recorded in 2011. Currently, the consumption stands at approximately 3658 kWh per person, which reflects a decrease of almost a thousand kWh per person compared to the earlier peak. This downward trajectory is a cause for concern, particularly when considering the nation's shrinking share of low-carbon electricity generation. The recent figures reveal that low-carbon electricity generation per person is 513 kWh, down from a previous record of 1196 kWh per person in 2023. This substantial decline by 683 kWh per person could be indicative of challenges in sustaining or scaling up clean energy contributions.
Suggestions
To increase its generation of low-carbon electricity, North Macedonia could learn from other regions with successful clean energy strategies. Countries like France and Slovakia have achieved significant shares of their electricity from nuclear power, at levels of 70% and 66%, respectively. The advancement of wind energy also provides a noteworthy example, with Iowa achieving 60% and Denmark 59% of their electricity from wind. The potential for solar should not be overlooked either, as regions like Nevada have harnessed this resource to cover a significant one-third of their electricity needs. Given these successful models, North Macedonia could explore investments in both nuclear and solar energy to boost its low-carbon electricity generation, expanding its clean energy sources and reducing reliance on imports and fossil fuels.
History
In terms of historical changes to low-carbon electricity in North Macedonia, the nation has experienced a rather fluctuating contribution from hydropower over the decades. From the early 1990s through to 2025, changes in hydropower generation were frequent, often seeing increases and decreases from year to year. Notably significant upticks occurred in the early 2000s, with 2010 marking a particularly large increase in hydropower by 1.2 TWh. However, declines were also common, especially in years like 2001, 2007, and 2017 where reductions were more prominent. Recent years have seen the integration of solar energy, beginning with a modest rise in 2023. Yet, despite these periodic gains, the consistency and growth necessary for a robust low-carbon framework have not been achieved, calling for an urgent expansion in this sector.
