Public buildings in North Macedonia will soon be required to install solar systems, following recent amendments to the Energy Efficiency Law. The changes aim to harmonize national policy with EU standards, delivering both economic and regulatory benefits for citizens. Authorities expect the measures to lower energy bills, improve air quality, protect the environment, and create new green jobs. The Ministry of Energy considers the reform a significant step toward reducing overall energy consumption, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and expanding the use of renewable energy.
A key principle being introduced is the EU’s “energy efficiency first” approach, which requires the public sector, energy companies, and consumers to prioritize the most cost-effective solutions to optimize energy use, including renewable-based technologies.
As part of a long-term strategy, residential, public, and commercial buildings will be modernized into highly efficient structures with near-zero energy consumption. Solar systems and other renewable technologies will play an essential role in this transformation. The annual energy savings target for public buildings will increase from 1 to 3 percent, and at least 3 percent of the total floor area of public buildings that fail to meet minimum energy performance standards will need to be renovated each year. By 2050, the goal is for all major building categories in the country to meet near-zero energy standards.
The government also plans to introduce targeted measures for final energy savings, with a focus on institutions and system operators. Energy auditors will be responsible for ensuring that efficiency policies are properly implemented and that targets are achieved.
