With technical support from the European Union, the Ministry of energy, mining and mineral resources has successfully completed the first comprehensive Hydrogen study for Macedonia–a strategic document that opens the door to the future hydrogen economy and positions the country as part of the Europe’s energy future.
The study was prepared with technical assistance financed by the European Union through IPA II programme, within the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) and the Infrastructure Project Facility 10 (IPF10), as part of the project for the gas interconnection between Macedonia and Serbia.
This is the first national document that comprehensively analyses the opportunities for the production, transport, storage and use of green hydrogen, as one of the key fuels of the future, across energy, industrial, transport and the district heating sectors.
The study confirms that Macedonia has real potential to gradually develop a hydrogen economy and become an active part of the future European hydrogen infrastructure. The document highlights that the country, together with Serbia and Greece holds a strategic position within the Pan-European hydrogen grid and the European Hydrogen Backbone, future European grid for cross border transport of clean hydrogen.
Of particular importance is the fact that the new gas interconnection with Greece, currently under construction, is projected for transport of 100% hydrogen. In addition, according to the tender documentation for selection of project designer and contractor of the future gas interconnection with Serbia, it is planned that this interconnection will also be fully prepared for the transport of 100% hydrogen. With this, both interconnections will constitute key segments of the future national hydrogen backbone and will contribute to regional integration into the European hydrogen market.
With the completion of this study, Macedonia is among the few countries in the region that already possesses a strategic document for the development of the hydrogen sector, representing a significant advantage in the process of energy transition and alignment with European policies.
The document contains concrete hydrogen development scenarios up to 2050, including analyses for integration of renewable energy sources, the development of hydrogen corridors, applications in industry and transport, as well as possibilities for substantial reductions in green house gas emissions.
The preparation of the Hydrogen study represents another confirmation for the commitment of the Ministry of energy, mining and mineral resources to accelerating the energy transition, decarbonizing the energy sector and creating a modern, sustainable and competitive energy system.
As a candidate country for membership in the European Union, Macedonia continues to actively harmonizes its energy policies with the European regulations and strategic initiatives, aimed at ensuring greater energy security, new investments and long-term sustainable development.
The Hydrogen study is not merely analysis for the future possibilities–it is a roadmap for new energy era, whereas Macedonia is proactively positioning itself as a partner in the European hydrogen grid and as a participant in creating clean, low carbon economy.
With regards,
Ministry of energy, mining and mineral resources