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Skopje – North Macedonia has developed many strategies and documents, created policies, but now the focus needs to be on implementation. The country urgently needs to align national legislation with the latest EU standards and regulations on renewable energy and energy efficiency to keep pace with the Union’s development trends. Necessary mechanisms will also need to be established to be part of the EU’s future energy exchange scheme, said Euroambassador David Geer today.
In his address at the 7th Macedonian Energy Forum (MEF), Geer emphasized that North Macedonia’s production heavily depends on the import of fossil fuels – gas, coal, petroleum derivatives, which are subject to price fluctuations, as well as potential supply disruptions. According to him, the crisis showed that it is good to have a functional and well-connected energy market that offers high-quality services, safety, and supply security, but also affordable prices, which means that a lot of investment is needed.
Geer stated that the green transition requires smart solutions. The process, he said, is neither easy nor quick, and it is very important that the transition from fossil fuels to green energy happens in a fair manner. He pointed out that everyone working in the energy sector will need to undergo new training and master new skills.
– Everything I mentioned now must be included in the long list of things that need to be done. Looking ahead, we need to build on existing opportunities. North Macedonia has many natural resources, wind, water, sun, and has huge potential to nurture these renewables. Seeing that their application increases every year is excellent. Effective coordination between institutions and all relevant stakeholders, supported by human and financial resources, is necessary. I know this will be a great challenge for the new government. It will be very important to urgently align national legislation with the latest EU standards and European legislation on renewable energy and energy efficiency to keep pace with EU development trends, highlighted the Euroambassador.
Dependence on fossil fuels has led parts of the sector to transform from the biggest polluters into “green” emissions, but Geer noted that this does not take into account the pollution from Bitola and Oslomej.
– The EU is here to support North Macedonia. Energy transition is necessary throughout the region; rethinking the network is also needed towards greater storage and establishing renewable energy facilities, added Geer. (June 11)