LocationsAs the world marks the International Day of Clean Energy under the global theme "Clean Energy for People and Planet," the urgency to transform our energy systems has never been clearer. Energy is the golden thread that connects economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability. However, the pace of this transition remains uneven.
280 Days of Opportunity: Turning North Macedonia’s Sunshine into Energy Independence
January 26, 2026
While the European Union has made significant strides—with renewable energy sources accounting for over 41% of its gross final energy consumption in 2024 and aiming for 42.5% by 2030—North Macedonia is navigating its own complex path. Currently, renewable energy in North Macedonia contributes roughly 24% to the domestic energy mix, largely driven by hydropower. Yet, the vast, untapped potential of solar and wind energy remains the key to unlocking true energy independence and meeting the nation's ambitious climate targets. Focusing on solar energy, on average, North Macedonia experiences between 260 and 280 sunny days per year or roughly 30% to 40% more solar radiation than the average European country.
Bridging the gap between this natural abundance and its practical use requires more than just political will; it requires innovative financial architecture. This is where the Green Financing Facility (GFF) becomes a game-changer. By de-risking investments and providing accessible capital, the GFF ensures that the green transition is not a luxury reserved for a few, but a reachable reality for the underserved. It is specifically designed to empower those who often face the steepest barriers to entry: households striving to overcome energy poverty and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) looking to sharpen their competitive edge. By turning "Clean Energy for People and Planet" into a lived experience, the GFF is helping families and local businesses alike convert our 280 days of sunshine into long-term resilience and a healthier planet for us all.
Photo Credit: EBRD North Macedonia
Empowering the Engine of Growth: How the GFF is Transforming Macedonian SMEs
The Green Financing Facility is transforming the backbone of our economy by dismantling the financial barriers to green energy for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Through a 10% investment grant and favorable credit terms, the GFF empowers local businesses to transition from passive consumers to active energy producers. This shift allows Macedonian SMEs to reclaim control over their energy costs, hedge against market volatility, and reduce their carbon footprint—proving that "going green" is both a vital environmental commitment and a smart, competitive business strategy.
Harnessing the Sun at the Gates of Bitola: Transkop AD
In Bitola, the Transkop AD intercity bus station - a vital transport hub, has undergone a modern transformation. By installing a photovoltaic power plant directly onto the station's expansive roof, the company has turned an idle surface into a powerhouse.
For Atanas Kjosevski executive director of Transkop, the decision was driven by both necessity and opportunity. The unpredictable surge in electricity prices made the transition to self-generation a logical step for business continuity. However, the benefits extend beyond just covering their own needs; by selling surplus electricity back to the grid, the company has unlocked a new, sustainable revenue stream. This "double-win" demonstrates how clean energy interventions can stabilize operational costs while boosting economic growth.
Scaling Impact in Kumanovo: Eko Energy 2022
Setting a benchmark for the scale of private-sector green investment is Eko Energy 2022. This company successfully realized the largest loan within the GFF framework to date, a €1 million investment in a massive photovoltaic power plant.
The results are staggering: the plant now produces over 2,875 MWh of clean electricity annually. To put this in perspective for the planet, this production avoids the emission of 2,333 tons of greenhouse gases every year.
For the owner, Snezana Petrusevska, the motivation was rooted in a vision for a more self-reliant North Macedonia. She emphasizes that the company was founded not just for profit, but to actively preserve the environment and reduce the country’s dependence on expensive imported electricity. "Investments like these," Petrusevska notes, "are of vital importance for the long-term sustainability and resilience of our entire energy sector."
Photo Credit: IOM North Macedonia
From Policy to Porch: Empowering Families through the GFF
While SMEs drive economic momentum, the heart of the energy transition lies within the home. To ensure that the "Clean Energy for People and Planet" theme reaches every citizen, the GFF provides a substantial 30% grant on loans for households, making sustainable living an attainable reality rather than a luxury.
The Taste of a Sun-Powered Home: Sinisha’s Green Homecoming
The power of this support is best illustrated by the story of Sinisha Baeder. After years of living in Canada, Sinisha felt the pull of his roots and decided to return to his hometown of Shtip. He didn’t just want to build a house; he wanted a modern, energy-efficient sanctuary for his wife and two small children, a home that reflected the global perspectives he gained abroad.
Sinisha chose a unique location on the outskirts of Shtip, overlooking a valley increasingly dotted with shimmering photovoltaics. He saw a harmony between the land he loved and the renewable technology he respected. However, building a "perfect" eco-friendly home is a significant financial undertaking.
The Green Financing Facility (GFF) served as the vital bridge. By accessing the 30% grant, Sinisha was able to offset the high costs of installing a state-of-the-art solar system. "The grant made the decision easy," he says. "It bridged the gap between wanting an eco-friendly home and actually being able to afford it."
A Brighter Horizon: Shaping North Macedonia’s Energy Future
As we mark the International Day of Clean Energy, the stories of Transkop AD, Eko Energy 2022, and the Baeder family serve as a roadmap for what is possible. They prove that the transition to renewables is not a distant, abstract goal - it is a series of smart, local choices that strengthen our economy and protect our unique environment.
The future of North Macedonia lies in its ability to harness the sun that has defined our culture for centuries and turn it into the engine of our modern prosperity. Through the Green Financing Facility, we are moving closer to a decentralized and resilient energy system where every rooftop can contribute to the national grid and every business can shield itself from global energy shocks. The sun is rising on a greener North Macedonia, and together, we are ready to power it.
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The programme "Green Finance Facility to Improve Air Quality and Combat Climate Change in North Macedonia" is financed by the United Nations Joint SDG Fund, Влада на Република Северна Македонија | Government of the Republic of North Macedonia, EBRD and financial institutions. The programme is implemented by UNDP North Macedonia, IOM - UN Migration, UNECE Sustainable Energy and EBRD.