Government of North Macedonia sends two energy bills to parliament

North Macedonia is about to regulate renewables with a separate law, as the interim government adopted the bills on energy and renewable energy sources and passed them on to lawmakers.

Upcoming legislation is set to introduce battery energy storage in North Macedonia alongside statistical transfers with other countries, energy communities and guarantees of origin. The government adopted the draft Law on Renewable Energy Sources together with the draft Law on Energy, separating the green segment for the first time.

The two bills are going to the Assembly of North Macedonia. The country has an interim government as the general election is scheduled to be held within two months. It is therefore peculiar that the authorities are pushing for the adoption of important legislation.

Legislation for outgoing parliament

Moreover, the government recently approved bills on the first four strategic partnerships in the energy sector, after several years in the making. It prompted a backlash in some circles, particularly the ones close to the opposition, but also among ministers in the ruling coalition.

The Ministry of Economy said the move is aligned with the cabinet’s commitment to encourage investment in renewables as well as with the European Union’s policies and regulations, especially the Clean Energy Package. The draft Law on Renewable Energy Sources aims to simplify the procedures, the announcement reads.

Active buyers to enter energy scene

The key objective of the proposed Law on Energy is to harmonize legislation with the EU’s legal framework, for a reliable, safe and quality energy supply for customers and an energy-efficient, competitive and financially sustainable energy sector, the government pointed out. Additionally, it said the bills would apply the principles of non-discrimination, objectivity and transparency.

Both were developed with the support of United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Among other elements, the first amendments to the Law on Energy in five years cover fossil gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) and define strategic projects eligible for state aid. The renewables bill is set to exempt the smallest production system from the national registry and acknowledge active consumers – active buyers.