From a symbolic beginning in a small office to an institution with concrete energy results – the Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources today presented the annual report for the first year of its existence. At the press conference, the minister Sanja Bozinovska said that in the past 12 months, the foundation for energy stability, security and modern development has been set.
“A year ago, we had only an idea, one document and one office. Today we have an institution with 109 professionals, an institution that brings results. This year was proof that we can – the next one will be proof that we are not stopping”, minister Sanja Bozinovska stated.
The Ministry presented a report with detailed figures and measures that show structural changes in the energy system. The first and most significant step was the adoption of the new Energy Law – prepared by domestic experts, harmonized with European directives and welcomed by the EU and the Energy Community.
The Law established full market liberalization, digitalization, introduction of smart meters and obligation to store energy with battery systems. Citizen energy communities were introduced. Photovoltaics on buildings for lower bills, citizens will also be able to sell electricity. Incentive for Electromobility – available chargers, reduced customs rates.
For the first time, a methodology for energy poverty and a legal ban on disconnecting electricity to vulnerable categories in winter were introduced. Amount of 60 million MKD of direct support for vulnerable categories was provided, with announcements of new subsidies by the end of the year;
A ten-year plan for the development of the transmission grid was adopted and for the first time MEPSO is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry.
Within the framework of mining, 405 inspections were conducted and concessions were revoked from violators. With the new tariff list, in the first quarter of 2025, 247 million MKD were collected from concessions – almost twice as much as last year.
"National wealth must not be abused. That is why we have introduced order, control and criteria. But also new opportunities – for fair mining, equal access for women and we will protect the Macedonian ruby as a national treasure," the minister emphasized.
The report also presented progress in interconnection projects:
• The interconnector with Greece is already being built, with savings of 12 million EUR and with a domestic company as the contractor;
• Connections with Albania and Serbia, Kosovo
• Construction of transformer stations has begun in Bitola, Miletkovo and Ohrid-Elbasan;
• The implementation of the GRID master plan for a smart grid has also begun.
New investments in clean energy have also started this year:
• Contracts signed for three solar power plants ("Bitola 1", "Bitola 2", "Oslomej 2") that will provide electricity for over 7,000 households;
• The second phase of the Bogdanci wind farm began with an investment of 37.6 million EUR;
• The water level of hydro-accumulations, after careful management, has stabilized at over 50%.
The Ministry also presented achievements in the modernization of the market:
• A green guarantee of origin for electricity has been issued for the first time;
• Electricity trading in euros has been launched on the MEMO stock exchange;
• MEMO has been appointed as a nominated market operator (NEMO);
• New models for CfD auctions and merging with European markets are being developed.
“Citizens are not interested in laws on paper, but in real effects. When I say stable electricity prices, I am talking about people who have light in their classrooms and heat at home. When I say that Cebren will become a fact – I am talking about an obligation, not a promise, an obligation that every megawatt of that dam will be a step towards our independence” minister Bozinovska stated, emphasizing that energy is a national priority.
The Ministry announced new investments in smart grids, storage systems, electric vehicles. Trading in electricity in euros has also begun on the Macedonian Energy Stock market, and for the first time a green guarantee of origin for electricity has been issued.
The Ministry also indicated that for the first time an Advisory Body has been established within the institution – composed of top experts. For the first time, regular sectoral coordination. A Commission for monitoring the supply of electricity and heat has been established
Partnerships are also of particular emphasis: with universities, the business community, inspection services, ZLEK, PRO, Customs and international institutions (World Bank, EBRD, IFC, UNDP). Green investments of 5.2 million EUR have begun through the EU IPA 3, and 85 million USD are available for a just transition.
“It’s not just about energy. It’s about what kind of life we want here – and what kind of country we want to leave to the generations to come. There will be rigorous controls, but also strong support. We will invest, modernize and return energy power to Macedonian hands – clean, stable and smart. In our rivers, winds, sun lies not only energy – but the opportunity for Macedonia to become a leader in the region. Macedonia will host the World Energy Forum in 2025. World energy leaders are coming to Skopje – Macedonia is positioning itself on the map of serious energy players”, minister Bozinovska added, thanking the Ministry’s team, partners and citizens.
The Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources continues with an ambitious reform course, with a clear message:
The future of Macedonia is in energy!
With regards,
Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources
