North Macedonia solar energy permitting faces systemic failures

The State Audit Office of North Macedonia has reported significant systemic weaknesses in the permitting process for photovoltaic power plants (PVPs) between 2022 and May 2025. Despite a historic surge in solar energy investment and production, auditors found a lack of institutional coordination, insufficient oversight, and instances of illegal activity in the approval of solar plants.

Data from the Regulatory Commission for Energy indicates that by 2025, renewable energy sources became dominant in installed capacity, accounting for 58 percent (1,842 MW) of the total. Solar power specifically saw massive growth, with 2025 production being 15 times higher than in 2022.

A primary failure identified was the absence of an Indicative Plan for the construction of renewable energy capacities until May 2025. This lack of planning created legal uncertainty and prevented ministries from properly managing large-scale projects. While a new Energy Law passed in May 2025, auditors warn that delays in implementing secondary legislation and inadequate monitoring continue to jeopardize the country’s green transformation goals.