North Macedonia has reached a significant milestone in its energy transition, as the national market operator MEMO issued the country’s first Guarantees of Origin (GoOs) for electricity generated entirely from renewable sources. The inaugural certificates were granted to the state-owned utility Elektrani na Severna Makedonija (ESM) for its hydropower production.
Energy Minister Sanja Bozinovska hailed the development as a major step toward building a transparent, sustainable energy system in line with European environmental standards. She emphasized that the initiative strengthens the country’s commitment to clean energy and consumer awareness.
ESM CEO Lazo Uzuncev said the certification validates the utility’s dedication to renewable power and offers buyers a reliable method to confirm the green origin of their electricity. He added that the introduction of GoOs enhances both market credibility and environmental accountability.
The certification system was established in partnership with Grexel, a leading European energy certification provider, and adheres to the European Energy Certificate System (EECS). It is fully aligned with North Macedonia’s Energy Law and the standards of the Association of Issuing Bodies (AIB), with MEMO aiming to become a full AIB member to facilitate cross-border certificate recognition.
MEMO is currently working with other companies interested in joining the registry and is responsible for issuing, tracking, and validating GoOs. All participants in the domestic market, including residential and commercial consumers, can now verify the renewable origin of their purchased electricity.
ESM also announced plans to expand its portfolio of renewable energy projects, including wind and solar facilities, and to secure GoOs for those sources as well. The introduction of the GoO system is expected to support North Macedonia’s long-term transition to cleaner energy, boost competitiveness in the electricity market, and align the country more closely with EU energy practices.
