[REVISION HISTORY]

North Macedonia renewables, gas link & mineral strategy

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What changed

2026-10-10 09:53 UTC → 2026-10-26 08:43 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,~~ levels, the Ilovica-Stuka project remains the primary metallic mining investment opportunity, ~~aiming to double the nation's copper output. While Euromax Resources has revised plans to exclude cyanide and sulfuric acid,~~ 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 ~~sector faces~~ United States. To address economic ~~headwinds; August 2026 data showed~~ headwinds—including a 10.1 percent drop in the mining ~~and stone extraction sector. In response, the~~ sector in August 2026—the initiative ‘And Health and Work’ ~~suggested that~~ has advocated for unblocking mining projects ~~could serve as a primary driver for~~ to drive industrial ~~production and economic~~ growth. ~~To guide long-term development, the Ministry~~ 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, Mining~~ 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 ~~announced a strategy for 2026–2046. Developed~~ Strategy, developed with the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, ~~the plan aims to transform geological potential into industrial value by linking mining to local production. The strategy aligns with the European Critical Raw Materials Act~~ which seeks to integrate North Macedonia into European critical raw material supply ~~chains while maintaining high environmental and transparency standards.~~ chains.

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