North Macedonia expands financial aid for home gas connections and renewable energy

The Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources has extended a grant programme that offers households up to 30,000 denars (about 70 % of eligible costs) for connecting to the natural‑gas network or purchasing a gas boiler. The scheme, funded with 3 million denars, accepts applications until 31 October 2026 on a first‑come, first‑served basis and will support only one request per household.

In parallel, the parliament approved a new law on renewable energy aimed at speeding up permits, establishing “green zones”, and enabling community energy projects. The legislation sets maximum approval times of 12 months for projects and six months for capacities up to 150 kW, simplifies licensing for residential solar systems up to 10.8 kW, and introduces net‑metering and net‑billing models. It also creates a competitive bidding system for state support and mandates environmental safeguards in protected areas.