The draft Energy Balance, presented before the Macedonian Energy Association (MEA), predicts for total energy consumption to increase by 4% next year, Independent.mk reported.
The document, developed by the Ministry of Economy, includes a projection that 3% more oil and derivatives will be spent in 2016. There will also be a rise in the consumption of natural gas, biomass and other energy resources, the Macedonian news agency said in the article. Rising energy needs can be met by domestic and imported sources. Oil, derivatives and gas will be imported, while electricity output will depend on hydrology and gas prices.
“Renewable energy sources have an increasing share in the energy output, especially in the section of electricity. About 16% of final energy from renewable sources is projected for next year, primarily from small hydro plants, photovoltaics, wind parks and biomass,” MEA’s president Kočo Anđušev said. He added energy balance also depends on six large companies – Feni, Jugohrom, Makstil, ArcelorMittal, Bucim and Usje – which account for 20% of overall electricity consumption in Macedonia.