North Macedonia Receives Applications for 4.2 GW of Battery Projects and 7.1 GW in Renewable and Gas Power

Significant Investment Interest in North Macedonia's Energy Sector

North Macedonia has announced a substantial influx of applications for new energy projects, underscoring a strong commitment to modernizing and diversifying its power infrastructure. The Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources confirmed receiving initiatives for 4,172 MW of battery projects and 7,100 MW for wind, solar, and gas power plants. This development follows a deadline of October 1 for foreign investors to submit their project proposals.

Battery Storage Projects Highlighted

The applications for battery projects alone amount to a significant 4.2 GW, indicating a strategic focus on energy storage solutions to support intermittent renewable sources. These proposals include both standalone battery energy storage systems (BESS) and those co-located with generation facilities. Specifically, investors have proposed:

• Standalone batteries with an overall capacity of 2,596 MW and 3,094 MWh.
• Co-located BESS with solar power projects, totaling 1,174 MW in combined capability and 3,018 MWh in capacity.
• Co-located BESS with wind farms, amounting to 402 MW and 1,080 MWh.

Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources, Sanja Božinovska, noted the extensive documentation received, which is currently under analysis. This interest aligns with ongoing efforts, including a planned 60 MW BESS by YESS Power expected to be commissioned in November 2025, which would be the first large facility of its kind in the Western Balkans. Additionally, Turkish company Fortis Energy is integrating a 104 MWh (62 MW operational) battery storage system at the Oslomej solar power plant, projected to be operational in the second half of 2025.

Renewable and Gas Power Generation Initiatives

Beyond battery storage, the country has received applications for 7.1 GW in new generation capacity. These initiatives are distributed across various energy sources:

• Solar power projects account for the largest share, with proposals totaling 5,052 MW.
• Wind farm projects represent 1,590 MW of proposed capacity.
• An initiative for a 495 MW cogeneration gas power plant has also been received, alongside other existing proposals for gas-fired facilities.

These projects are crucial for North Macedonia's energy transition, as the nation aims to phase out coal by 2027 and achieve 38% renewable energy consumption by 2030, increasing to 45% by 2040. The country possesses significant untapped potential, estimated at 11 GW for solar and 0.35 GW for wind energy.

Strategic Energy Transition and Infrastructure Development

North Macedonia is actively pursuing a comprehensive energy strategy to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and enhance energy security. The government's commitment is further demonstrated by ongoing infrastructure projects, such as the construction of the Gevgelija-Negotino section of the gas interconnector with Greece, expected to be operational by 2027. This project, financed by the government, the European Investment Bank (EIB), and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), represents a significant investment in diversifying gas supply. The country's energy development strategy prioritizes renewable projects on degraded or low-value land to protect its rich biodiversity.