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The European Commission, Climate Investment Funds, the World Bank, International Finance Corporation, the European Investment Bank (EIB), Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau, Council of Europe Development Bank and Cassa Depositi e Prestiti have all confirmed their support for North Macedonia's aspirations and the successful implementation of the platform.
This initiative aligns with North Macedonia's existing commitment, as outlined in its Nationally Determined Contribution, to reduce net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 82% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.
According to the latest statistics office data, North Macedonia had total primary energy production of 1,040,502 toe in 2022, constituting 37.9% of the gross inland consumption. The overall gross inland energy consumption for the same year amounted to 2,746,673 toe.
The major consumers of final energy in 2022 were as follows: transport accounted for 41.1%, households for 26.3%, and industry for 20.1% (of the available for final consumption).
As well as pursuing a transition away from coal, North Macedonia is also investing into gas.
After a decade of inactivity, the Thessaloniki-Skopje oil pipeline is set to reopen, Greece’s Kathimerini reported on November 23, citing Helleniq Energy’s CEO Andreas Shiamishis. The pipeline is operated by Vardax, a subsidiary of Greece’s Helleniq Energy, formerly known as Hellenic Petroleum, which owns 80% in the company, while 20% is owned by North Macedonia’s government. The turning point came when the competent regulatory authority in North Macedonia issued the licence for the operation of the oil pipeline.
North Macedonia is also set to embark on the project management and development of a gas pipeline initiative, establishing a connection with the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), along with the planned liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal at Alexandroupolis in Greece, PM Dimitar Kovacevski said in November 13.
In November, North Macedonia’s gas operator Nomagas called a €83.6mn tender for the construction of a 67-km gas interconnection pipeline connecting the country with Greece. The deadline for sending bids is February 1, 2024. The initial capacity is set at 1.5 bcm annually, with the potential for expansion to 3 bcm per year.
Comprehensive studies have been carried out to ensure that the gas pipeline meets the requisite specifications for the transportation of green hydrogen. The completion of the project is planned for mid-2025.
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