If the country shuts down all power stations that emit carbon dioxide when generating electricity, it will have to import 67 percent of electricity, which is estimated to cost EUR 187 million annually, it was noted at a news conference Monday at the Economic Chamber of Macedonia.

According to the chamber, North Macedonia has to focus on generating electricity from renewable sources. The construction of 200 power stations will cost EUR 400 million. Also, the construction companies involved in the endeavor could report EUR 200 million in turnover.

“Investors, both foreign ones and those in the country, have shown interest in power stations. The country, however, should create conditions for power stations to be built like anywhere in countries in the West,” said Todor Angjushev, head of the group of renewable energy sources.

At the moment, 64% of the existing power stations in the country don’t use renewable energy sources. Last year, a total of 7,018 gigawatt hours in energy consumption was recorded. Of those, 74% fell to domestic production and the rest was imported. 5,164 gigawatt hours in production was recorded and only 25% was from renewable sources.

North Macedonia has 276 power stations, including biogas power plants, a wind park and 155 solar parks.