USAID to help Macedonia diversify energy supply, harmonize regulations with EU

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has signed memoranda of cooperation with the Macedonian government and Ministry of Economy, as well as with the Energy Regulatory Commission on the Development of the Regional Energy Market project, in what will help diversify Macedonia’s energy portfolio and harmonize the national energy legislation with EU directives, according to a press release from the Macedonian government.

A stable energy supply requires the use of a mix of energy sources such as wind and solar energy, natural gas, and fossil fuels, according to US Ambassador to Macedonia Jess Baily, who attended the signing at the Macedonian government building.

Macedonian Deputy Prime Minister Koco Angjusev said the implementation of these memoranda, with the USAID’s support, will help overcome challenges facing Macedonia’s energy sector and ensure its better and brighter future, according to the press release.

Angjusev recalled that a new Law on Energy was passed in May, with technical support from the USAID, paving the way for harmonizing Macedonia’s energy legislation with EU regulations and directives. All stakeholders have been working hard on drafting over 80 accompanying regulations that will enable the full application of the law, protection of consumers, and development of renewable energy sources, according to Angjusev.

New energy law enables electricity market liberalization

Baily said the law has created a legal framework for a transparent, competitive, and diversified energy market, enabling a full liberalization of the electricity market and integration with regional markets.

Macedonian Economy Minister Kreshnik Bekteshi said the new law has opened the door for coupling the day-ahead electricity market with Bulgaria and unbundling the transmission operators, with full and non-discriminatory access to the electricity and natural gas transmission infrastructure, as well as for ensuring a stable energy supply, the diversification of energy sources, and the implementation of measures to support and stimulate the production of electricity from renewable energy sources, among other benefits.

Marko Bislimoski, president of the Energy Regulatory Commission, recalled that Macedonia’s new energy law is fully harmonized with the EU’s Third Energy Package, and that its adoption enabled the closing of cases the Energy Community had opened against Macedonia.