Multi-criteria assessment of natural gas supply options – The Macedonian case

Abstract

The number and reliability of the natural gas supply sources have a significant influence over the security of its supply. The specific geographic location that implies natural gas supply through a single gas-pipeline originating from a single source defines Macedonia’s geostrategic position related to natural gas as quite vulnerable. As a 100% importer of natural gas, the country faces serious challenges in relation to the security of the natural gas supply, as well as necessity of defining strategies for mitigating related risks. Efforts should be oriented towards tackling infrastructure and transit related risks, while the highest priority should be diversification of supply sources. Relevant indicators and corresponding weights for the natural gas supply to Macedonia have already been defined, assessed and calculated as part of a previous analysis. Herein, a set of potential optional concepts and routes for natural gas supply to Macedonia are investigated and relevant scenarios are examined, discussed and evaluated. The obtained results are ranked to attain optimal scenario for the natural gas supply for Macedonia.