The potential of GHG emissions reduction in Macedonia by renewable electricity

The energy sector in Macedonia is the main emitter of greenhouses gases (GHG) with share of about 70 in the total annual emissions (12-14.5 Mt CO 2-eq). Furthermore, within the energy sector, 70-75 of emissions are associated with the electricity generation due to the predominant role of the lignite fuelled power plants. This makes the electricity sector the most significant key source and, at the same time, the main target for GHG emissions reduction. The main goal of this paper is to assess the potential for GHG emissions reduction by increasing the use of renewable energy sources (RES) for electricity generation. For this purpose a RES scenario for the power system expansion is developed by making use of EnergyPLAN model. The maximal penetration of wind and solar energy results in reduction of the GHG emissions from the reference scenario for 8.26 . Total investment needed for realization of this option is estimated to 800 M� . Furthermore, the RES technologies are analyzed from economic aspect and combined in a form of emission reduction cost curve, displaying the total marginal cost of the GHG emissions reduction by renewable electricity. Copyright © 2011, AIDIC Servizi S.r.l.