The grid’s medium-voltage capacity has reached its limit in many parts of the country, according to related information published by DEDDIE/HEDNO, the distribution network operator, forcing it to reject the overwhelming majority of new RES project connection-term applications.

Medium-voltage grid capacity is currently fully saturated in areas covering 40 percent of the country, including western Macedonia, in the country’s north, a lignite-dependent area planned for decarbonization.

RES connection-term applications in these areas lacking grid capacity are all being rejected. In other parts of the country, where limited grid capacity remains available, nine in ten RES applications are being rejected by DEDDIE/HEDNO, creating issues for prospective investors.

The problem primarily concerns smaller-scale RES investment plans not possessing the capacity to connect to the grid via IPTO, the power grid operator.

The saturation problem’s extent is even preventing the installation of roof-mounted solar panels in some parts of the country, according to one source.

The subdued potential, at present, of the latest Saving at Home program offering subsidies for energy efficiency upgrades at properties has been partially attributed to the grid’s lack of capacity for new RES installations.