North Macedonia produced 462,653 MWh of electricity in May 2026, up 3.8% from the same month a year earlier. Domestic output changes reflected stronger hydropower and wind generation alongside weaker thermal output. Gross electricity consumption reached 479,603 MWh, with domestic production covering 96.5% of demand.
Imports, exports and domestic coverage
Imports totaled 87,978 MWh, compared with 109,220 MWh in May 2025. Exports rose to 71,028 MWh, from 67,840 MWh a year earlier. The figures indicate lower import volumes while export levels increased year on year.
Thermal generation declines while hydro rises
Thermal power plants generated 146,647 MWh, accounting for 31.7% of total electricity output. Thermal generation fell 13.6% year on year. Hydropower production increased 33.2% to 138,015 MWh, representing 29.8% of generation.
Wind, solar and biogas contribute to the monthly mix
Wind farms supplied 31,435 MWh, or 6.8%, after recording annual growth of 50.6%. Solar plants and prosumers generated 143,419 MWh, equal to approximately 31% of total output. Solar production was still 2.5% lower than in May 2025.
The decline in solar output occurred despite changes in installed capacity being reported as offsetting factors such as weaker irradiation or differences in the reporting perimeter and operating conditions. Biogas plants contributed an additional 2,993 MWh. With thermal, hydro and solar each taking near-equal shares, the monthly generation mix was more diversified than North Macedonia historically maintained.
Fuel use and implications for winter supply risk
Natural-gas consumption during May was 4.46 million cubic metres. Coal consumption reached 264,997 tonnes, while petroleum-product consumption amounted to 78,468 tonnes. Approximately 99.9% of coal consumption was used for electricity production.
The reduction in net imports improved the monthly trade balance. However, it did not remove structural exposure to winter supply risk described as linked to seasonal hydropower and solar output. Reliability of domestic thermal production remains tied to mine productivity, plant availability and maintenance at the country’s lignite-fired facilities .
