Energy transition of a developing country following the pillars of the EU green deal

Abstract

Utilization of efficient technologies, renovation of buildings and construction of new passive buildings, replacement of coal, natural gas, and nuclear power plants with “clean” technologies such as photovoltaics and wind, transition to 4-D in industry, and electrification are parts of the objectives set out in the Green Deal of the EU. The Green Deal foresees a transformation to a “green” economy while maintaining economic growth, as well as creating new “green” jobs. To meet these goals, each country needs to develop its own strategic documents that will guide the transition, taking into account its own specific conditions, the current state of the energy sector as well as geographical location. This paper aims to present a vision for the energy transition of a developing country, a member of the Energy Community, and a country that expects to join the EU. The vision of the development of the energy system of North Macedonia foresees a transformation from a system based on fossil fuels, where the share of RES in the gross final energy consumption is about 18%, to a 43% share of RES in 2040, while maintaining import dependence at the current level and guaranteeing the security of energy supply. For exploring the way and the pace at which such a vision can be achieved it is necessary to develop different models and simulations, including different technologies on the generation and consumption side. Such alternatives, packaged in different scenarios, allow policymakers to assess the effects of taking certain actions and the direction in which such decisions will lead.