North Macedonia introduces guarantees of origin for electricity

The Government of North Macedonia adopted a decree enabling the National Electricity Market Operator – MEMO to issue guarantees of origin.

Western Balkan countries have tight deadlines for aligning with the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The European Union will gradually start, on January 1, 2026, to charge a tax on imports of cement, iron and steel, aluminum, fertilizers, hydrogen and electricity. The third countries can exempt all electricity until 2030 if they couple their electricity markets with the EU. Exports of carbon-free electricity, from renewable energy sources, can also be certified with guarantees of origin or GOs.

The Government of North Macedonia passed a decree enabling the National Electricity Market Operator – MEMO to issue the electronic documents. Their purpose is to prove to buyers and consumers that a certain share or amount of electricity is produced from renewable sources.

MEMO to establish, maintain register of guarantees of origin

MEMO, a subsidiary of the country’s transmission system operator MEPSO, can now establish and maintain the register of guarantees of origin. It means it became responsible for registering transfers and the subsequent so-called cancellation, when consumption of renewable electricity is verified.

“Guarantees of origin are of great importance, especially for domestic companies that export to the European market. They will be able to prove that they use clean energy in their operations, i. e. energy from renewable sources, thereby reducing the carbon footprint,” the Ministry of Energy, Mining and Minerals said.

MEMO said a month ago that it became an electricity scheme observer in the Association of Issuing Bodies (AIB), a Brussels-based organization that standardizes guarantees of origin. It was the first step toward full membership.

As for the rest of the region that Balkan Green Energy News covers, Montenegro regulated the guarantees of origin with a new law in August.

CBAM levy to also be charged for indirect emissions related to electricity consumption

The transitional period before the gradual rollout of CBAM began one year ago. Both importers and foreign producers of the designated raw materials and products are struggling to meet legal requirements.

The administration in Brussels introduced the mechanism to protect its economy from imports from third countries with less stringent or no carbon pricing. The scheme will also cover indirect emissions related to electricity consumption for cement, fertilizers and electricity. Down the line, the EU would charge the levy on the next segment – manufactured goods.