[REVISION HISTORY]

North Macedonia renewables, gas link & copper push

Updated 12 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-15 20:59 UTC → 2026-09-23 12:09 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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 near $14,500 per ton due to supply constraints, the Ilovica-Stuka project remains the country’s primary metallic mining investment opportunity. The project aims to double the nation's current copper output from the Bučim-Borov Dol mine, with projected annual production exceeding 16,000 tons. While the project previously faced environmental concerns, Euromax Resources has revised its plans to exclude cyanide and sulfuric acid, and local initiatives such as ‘I zdravje i rabota’ have expressed support for modern practices with strict controls. ~~To further support~~ Recent developments emphasize the ~~sector, Energy Minister Sanja Božinovska presented results from an independent expert review regarding proposed new laws~~ country's role in critical mineral supply chains. Geological exploration for geology and mining. These legislative changes aim to align North Macedonia with European standards and international best practices, seeking to attract responsible investment without compromising environmental protection or local community interests. Meanwhile, antimony ~~exploration~~ continues near Kriva ~~Palanka.~~ Palanka, supported by a Strategic Dialogue with the United States. Experts highlight the Ilovica-Stuka porphyry copper and gold deposit as a significant greenfield project, aligned with the Mineral Resources Strategy 2026-2046. This comes as global studies suggest copper demand may outpace primary mining capacity due to electrification needs, prompting calls for sustainable extraction and circular economy practices in line with European standards.

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