North Macedonia energy stability

An expert report released in late July confirmed that the Negotino thermal power plant, operated as a cold reserve since 2009, was economically justified during the 2021‑2023 energy crisis. Supplying fuel oil that met quality standards, the plant helped the government avoid higher electricity costs on the Hungarian market, saving millions of euros for consumers.

A week later, the Macedonian Ministry of Energy reported that the national electricity system remained secure despite unusually low water levels in major European rivers. Reservoirs stayed about 70 % full, allowing hydro plants to meet most demand, while wind output rose and renewable projects—including new wind and solar farms and gas interconnectors with Greece and Serbia—continued to expand. The diversification of generation sources and ongoing infrastructure investments are portrayed as key to maintaining system stability.

Together, the snapshots illustrate a shift from reliance on a cost‑saving thermal plant during a crisis to a broader, diversified energy mix that sustains supply stability amid external hydrological challenges.