The Ministry of energy, mining and mineral resources has published the Draft Law on the use of energy from renewable sources on the Unique National Electronic Register of Regulations (ENER), which has marked the beginning of a 30-day period of public consultation with citizens, the professional community and all relevant stakeholders.
text of the Draft Law on ENER - https://ener.gov.mk/Default.aspx?item=pub_regulation&subitem=view_reg_detail&itemid=111834
This law represents a strategic step forward, by which renewable energy sources are regulated for the first time in a special law (Lex specialis), separate from other energy laws - following the example of a large number of countries in the region and the EU. The reason is clear: renewable energy sources (RES) represent a complex, but increasingly important and dynamic area, with a huge impact on the economy, ecology and energy independence.
This special law has been prepared in accordance with the Government Program for 2025 and aims to provide clear and comprehensive regulation that will regulate all aspects related to renewable energy sources (RES) — from setting targets and support measures, to specific mechanisms for financial stability and consumer protection.
In the period from October 28 to December 6, 2024, 6 working meetings were held, after which the content was further aligned with the latest European regulations, Directive (EU) 2023/2413 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 October 2023 amending Directive (EU) 2018/2001, Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 and Directive 98/70/E3 on the promotion of energy from renewable sources and repealing Council Directive (EU) 2015/652, called the RED III Directive, which sets new European standards for renewable energy.
The law is fully aligned with the latest changes in European energy law regulative, primarily with the RED III Directive, which regulates the promotion and use of renewable sources and is an obligation for the member states of the Energy Community.
Key elements of the Draft Law:
· Clearly defined national targets for increasing the share of renewable energy sources (RES) in gross energy consumption.
· Introduction of a new financial mechanism – “Two-way contract for difference”, which guarantees stability and predictability of income for renewable energy producers, while protecting consumers from extreme price fluctuations.
· Legal regulation of net metering and net billing, which enable more efficient use and placing of generated electricity by households and businesses.
· Support for long-term investments and accelerated development of RES in the heating, cooling and transport sectors.
· Regional cooperation and integration of renewable sources in energy markets, with guarantees of origin of energy.
· Bonds for sustainability and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
· Clearer rules for the creation of renewable energy communities - groups of citizens, companies, legal entities united on a voluntary basis and stimulating the collective local production and consumption of energy from renewable sources, in order to ensure environmental, economic or social interests for the community or municipality.
With the new law, the Ministry places the use of renewable sources at the heart of the national energy policy, linking economic development, ecology, social justice and European integration.
Among the most significant innovations in the law is the introduction of a new financial mechanism at the European level - the so-called two-way contract for difference.
This mechanism will ensure:
· financial stability for investors,
· limitation of excessive profits at high prices,
· guaranteed minimum compensation for producers,
· protection of final consumers from unstable market prices.
COMPLETE REGULATION OF “NET METERING” AND “NET BILLING”
The draft law also regulates for the first time the methods for managing excess energy produced:
· Net metering – excess energy produced is transferred as an energy deposit for the next period;
· Net billing – the excess is calculated in monetary value and used to reduce bills in the following periods.
These mechanisms open up space for an active role of citizens as consumer-producers, as well as for the expansion of communities using renewable sources.
Public debate:
The draft law has been published on the Unique National Electronic Register of Regulations (ENER) and on the website of the Ministry of energy, mining and mineral resources (link: https://ener.gov.mk). All interested parties can submit opinions, comments and proposals within 30 days, i.e. no later than August 30, 2025.
With regards,
Ministry of energy, mining and mineral resources