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North Macedonia renewables, gas link & mineral strategy

Overview

In 2026, North Macedonia accelerated its clean-energy transition with a €1.5 billion programme for two run-of-river hydro plants (Chebren, Galishte) and a €400 million wind farm near Štip, while a second 800 million-euro park remains under discussion. Croatian firms Končar and Dalekovod secured contracts for a 337.5 MW wind farm and a 400 kV substation. Additionally, the REK Bitola 1 cogeneration plant received a $2.4 million World Bank grant. The 66.7-km gas interconnector with Greece, financed by the EIB, EBRD, and an EU grant, is on track for 2027, initially aiming to move 1.5 bcm per year.

On the mineral side, the government prepared concessions for four new copper-gold mines, notably Ilovica-Štuka. As global copper prices approach record levels, the Ilovica-Stuka project remains the primary metallic mining investment opportunity, with an initial investment exceeding €340 million expected within two years. Pre-feasibility studies project an annual production of 16,000 tons of copper. Beyond copper, geological exploration for antimony is underway near Kriva Palanka, supported by a Strategic Dialogue with the United States.

To address economic headwinds—including a 10.1 percent drop in the mining sector in August 2026—the initiative ‘And Health and Work’ has advocated for unblocking mining projects to drive industrial growth. Proponents argue that projects like Ilovica can create jobs and reduce emigration if paired with independent environmental monitoring and scientific, data-driven decision-making. In response, Minister of Energy Sanja Božinovska presented proposed new mining and geology laws aimed at aligning with European standards. This is supported by the 2026–2046 Mineral Resources Strategy, developed with the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, which seeks to integrate North Macedonia into European critical raw material supply chains.

Entities

North Macedonia · Ilovica · Ilovica-Štuka · Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources · Goran Nachevski

Timeline

  1. [BUSINESS] 5 sources
    North Macedonia collects 1.2 billion denars in mineral resource concessions

    North Macedonia's concession fees for mineral resources rose to 1.2 billion denars in 2025, driven by new tariffs and increased inspections.

  2. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    North Macedonia explores mineral and cultural resource potential

    North Macedonia is evaluating its mineral resource potential and cultural heritage to foster long-term economic growth and tourism through responsible mining and archaeological preservation.

  3. [BUSINESS] 5 sources
    North Macedonia adopts long-term mineral resource strategy through 2046

    North Macedonia has adopted a 2026–2046 strategy for geological exploration and mineral resource exploitation to boost domestic industrial development and align with European critical raw materials policies.

  4. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Mining sector could drive economic growth in North Macedonia

    The ‘And Health and Work’ initiative advocates for unblocking mining projects to counter a 10.1% drop in the sector and stimulate economic growth and job creation in North Macedonia.

  5. [BUSINESS] 5 sources
    Copper supply shortage threatens global green energy transition

    Global copper demand is projected to exceed primary supply due to the green transition, prompting the EU to focus on domestic recycling and extraction. North Macedonia's Ilovica-Stuka deposit is noted as a key'

  6. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    North Macedonia explores critical antimony and copper resources

    North Macedonia is exploring critical mineral resources, including antimony near Kriva Palanka and copper at the Ilovica site, to meet rising global demand for technological and energy transition materials.

  7. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    North Macedonia proposes new mining laws to balance investment and environment

    North Macedonia's Energy Minister Sanja Božinovska presented proposed mining and geology laws aimed at attracting investment while ensuring environmental protection and alignment with EU standards.

  8. [BUSINESS] 7 sources
    North Macedonia seeks to expand role in critical minerals race

    North Macedonia faces limited participation in the global critical minerals race, with only one active copper mine and one major new investment project, the Ilovica-Štuka mine, currently underway.

  9. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    North Macedonia mining debate calls for science-based decisions

    The ‘I Zdravje i Rabota’ initiative urges North Macedonia to base mining decisions, including the Ilovica-Stuka project, on scientific evidence and strict environmental standards to balance growth and ecology.

  10. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Ilovica copper mine project promises economic growth and jobs

    Supporters of the Ilovica copper mine in North Macedonia argue the project will create jobs and boost the regional economy if strict international environmental standards are maintained.

  11. [BUSINESS] 3 sources
    Copper prices approach record highs amid global supply constraints

    As global copper prices approach $14,500 per ton, North Macedonia faces a major economic opportunity through the proposed Ilovica-Stuka mining project, which could double the nation's current copper output.

  12. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    EU accelerates critical mineral mining as Ilovica-Stuka remains North Macedonia's key project

    As the EU accelerates critical mineral mining with strict environmental rules, North Macedonia's Ilovica-Stuka copper project stands as its primary major mining investment.

  13. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    North Macedonia awaits Ilovica copper project amid global critical mineral race

    As Western nations increase funding for critical minerals to reduce reliance on China, North Macedonia's Ilovica copper project remains stalled despite available private capital and significant resource potensi

  14. [BUSINESS] 15 sources
    North Macedonia inflation falls to 2.3% as food prices decline

    North Macedonia's annual inflation rate dropped to 2.3% in July. Officials report stable prices and a two-month decline in food costs, reducing the need for new government intervention measures.

  15. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Macedonia advances critical mineral mining while cracking down on agricultural subsidy fraud

    Macedonia seeks to develop a copper mine in Ilovica with new environmental standards while exposing large‑scale abuse of agricultural subsidies, including false tobacco reports and recycled ear‑tags from dead r

  16. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Macedonia's Untapped Copper Potential Highlights Global Critical Minerals Race

    The IEA warns that soaring demand for critical minerals is reshaping geopolitics. Macedonia, with notable copper reserves at Ilovica and antimony potential, still lacks new mines; only the depleted Buchim‑Borov

  17. [POLITICS] 6 sources
    Macedonia's Ilovica-Štuка Copper Mine Project Defended by Local Initiative Amid Misinformation Claims

    Macedonia's local group 'И Здравје и Работа' defends the Ilovica‑Štuка copper mine, citing dry‑stack tailings technology and urging government approval amid claims of misinformation.

  18. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Macedonia's Ilovica copper reserves idle as global copper shortage deepens

    IEA warns copper is becoming critically scarce as demand rose 3.7% in 2025 and prices hit $14,000/ton, while Macedonia’s Ilovica reserve – capable of >10,000 t/year – remains undeveloped.

  19. [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    GSI and GREGY projects aim to turn Greece into Europe’s energy gateway

    GSI and GREGY electricity links could make Greece a key energy hub, lowering costs and boosting security across Greece, Cyprus, Israel and Egypt.

  20. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Macedonia's Ilovica copper project stalled while US expands critical mineral reserves

    Macedonia's €350 m Ilovica copper project, expected to boost exports by €180 m annually, remains unstarted, while the US pours $12 bn into critical mineral reserves and funding for related research.

  21. [BUSINESS] 8 sources
    Greece emerges as major energy exporter to Southeast Europe

    Greece has become a Southeast European energy hub, exporting fuel, electricity and gas. Exports of fuel exceed 8 Mt annually, electricity turned from a 10 TWh import in 2019 to a net exporter (3 TWh in 2025), €

  22. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Macedonia government prepares concessions for four new copper and gold mines

    North Macedonia's government is preparing concessions for four new copper‑gold mines near Kadica, Ilovica‑Štuka, Probištip and Kratovo, prompting the Levica party to call for a moratorium and demand full public

  23. [INTERNATIONAL] 4 sources
    Greece launches major copper mining drive to feed EU, while Macedonia's Ilovica remains idle

    Greece is rolling out major copper projects to support EU supply, while Macedonia's Ilovica mine stays idle and the US pushes domestic copper production.

  24. [BUSINESS] 13 sources
    Greece’s gas demand jumps 15% as exports triple in first half of 2026

    Greek gas demand rises 15% in H1 2026, exports triple to 8.72 TWh, imports up 15% and US LNG supplies 70% of Revythoussa receipts; capacity auctions lock in half of the vertical corridor to Bulgaria.

  25. [BUSINESS] 3 sources
    Macedonia‑Greece gas interconnector set for completion next year

    Macedonia‑Greece gas interconnector, 66.7 km long, to finish next year, delivering 1.5 bcm/year (expandable to 3 bcm) and funded by EIB, EBRD, and EU grants, boosting energy security and EU integration.

  26. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Macedonia's Chebren and Galishte project to boost energy, water and tourism

    Macedonia's Chebren and Galishte project aims to enhance electricity, water supply and tourism, with financing sought from international lenders or a PPP, and is linked to broader regional infrastructure.

  27. [BUSINESS] 5 sources
    Končar and Dalekovod win €53.8 million wind farm and transmission contract in North Macedonia

    Končar and Dalekovod secured €53.76 million contracts from Alcazar Energy for a 337.5 MW wind farm and transmission works in North Macedonia, boosting their regional renewable‑energy footprint.

  28. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Macedonia close to ESM‑financed Chebreh and Galishte hydro projects

    Macedonia’s PM Christian Micic says the country is close to an ESM‑backed decision to finance the Chebreh and Galishte hydro‑reservoir projects, aiming at water supply, irrigation, tourism and power generation.

  29. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    REK Bitola 1 Cogeneration Plant Gets $2.4 M World Bank Grant

    AD ESM and the World Bank signed a $2.4 million grant to fund preparatory work for the REK Bitola 1 cogeneration plant, a €200 million project that will produce electricity and heat, cut emissions and boost MKI

  30. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    North Macedonia to spend €1.5 bn on new hydroelectric and wind power projects

    North Macedonia will invest €1.5 bn in two hydroelectric plants on the Black River and a €400 m wind farm near Štip, plus plans for further wind and gas‑cogeneration projects.

Sources

360stepeni.mk · a1on.mk · alfa.mk · alsat.mk · antropol.mk · banks.com.gr · biznisinfo.mk · biznisvesti.mk · boursa.info · brankof.blog.pravda.sk · businessdaily.gr · denesen.mk · economix.gr · ekonomijaibiznis.mk · ekran.mk · enikonomia.gr · enikos.gr · expres.mk · financije.hr · flash.gr · fortunegreece.com · gargalianoionline.gr · greekcitytimes.com · iefimerida.gr · insider.gr · jugoinfo.mk · koha.mk · libertas.mk · lider.mk · lideri.mk · lidermedia.hr · lokalno.mk · lykavitos.gr · makfax.com.mk · makpress.mk · meta.mk · mkd.mk · mononews.gr · nabu-bw.de · nacionalno.mk · newmoney.gr · nezavisen.mk · novamakedonija.com.mk · nsuzivo.rs · ohridsky.com · opserver.mk · pari.com.mk · plusinfo.mk

This summary has been updated 15 times: see revision history