Skopje, 26 January 2026 (MIA) – Our vision is clear – to build a modern, efficient, digitized and sustainable energy system that will provide safe supply, affordable price for the citizens and companies all the while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It’s the road to better quality of life, cleaner environment and stronger economy, said Energy Minister Sanja Bozhinovska.

Speaking Monday at an event marking the International Day of Clean Energy (January 26), Bozhinovska said Macedonia has the potential, vision and capacity to set a regional example for successful energy transition.

Our job, she noted, is to turn this potential into reality. “However, energy transition isn’t a process that can be led by only one institution. It requires partnership between the government, the business sector, science, local communities and the citizens. Together we can create a system that is sustainable, just and resilient to future challenges.”

According to her, it’s important to invest in safe and sustainable energy solutions “now more than ever.” Energy transition doesn’t only involve the construction of solar and wind power plants – it requires a complete transformation of the system, modernization and digitization of the power grid, strengthening of transition and distribution capacities, smart network development and most importantly, development of energy storage systems.

“We live in a time of profound global changes increasing constantly energy demands. Digitization, transport and industry electrification, as well as AI development create a new reality in which energy becomes the key infrastructure for economic growth, competitiveness and technological progress. These processes open huge opportunities as well as serious challenges. Macedonia has a serious potential to use renewable energy sources. It is our strategic commitment to use these natural advantages, to build a modern, flexible and sustainable energy system and to position ourselves as a regional leader in green energy transition,” stated Minister Bozhinovska.

She said total installed capacity of photovoltaic power plants in the country is approximately 850 megawatts, with a clear trend of further growth.

“The rising number of solar power plants comes as the result of investors’ interest increasing and also of the citizens who are starting to recognize solar energy as a safe, economical and sustainable solution. For the first time last year, the country got an annual investment plan. This plan alone in 2025 includes 481 requests for the construction of new wind, solar and gas power plants. It is particularly important that there is also interest in battery energy storage systems, which will allow the use of renewable energy sources to be used even more. We are already finalizing the plan for 2026 and we expect even more sustained investment initiatives,” she said.

Minister Bozhinovska’s speech took place during the event “Solar Day – Clean Energy in Practice”, which also included a panel titled “Solar Energy in Macedonia – Opportunities and Challenges”. 

Photo/video: MIA