National energy and climate plans
Background
National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) represent a vital part of the Western Balkans’ transition towards a carbon-free future. As the region seeks to align itself with the European Green Deal and the Paris Agreement, NECPs outline each country’s path to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The NECPs are strategic documents that focus on five key dimensions: energy security, decarbonization, energy efficiency, the internal energy market, and research and innovation.
The Western Balkans, comprising Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, has demonstrated its commitment to decarbonization through NECP development. However, challenges remain in ensuring these plans are cohesive, ambitious, and practical in implementation. The target year of 2030 serves as a milestone for each country, with the aim of cutting greenhouse gas emissions and expanding renewable energy use.
The Western Balkans, comprising Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, has demonstrated its commitment to decarbonization through NECP development. However, challenges remain in ensuring these plans are cohesive, ambitious, and practical in implementation. The target year of 2030 serves as a milestone for each country, with the aim of cutting greenhouse gas emissions and expanding renewable energy use.
Highlights from NECPs
Albania
Albania’s NECP for 2021–2030 focuses on aligning with updated climate goals and leveraging its National Energy Strategy. Progress has been hindered by delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and challenges with data collection. Despite these setbacks, Albania is working to increase transparency in energy and climate efforts. Major upcoming efforts include addressing the need for improved data collection systems and accelerating renewable energy investments.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s ambitious NECP aims for a 41.21% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. One of the plan’s highlights includes a strong focus on renewable energy, with targets set to increase the renewable energy share to 43.62%. The plan also envisions shutting down old coal plants and installing over 2,000 MW of solar and wind capacity. An emissions trading system is set to launch by 2026, although the country still faces significant challenges due to the continued operation of coal plants.
Kosovo
Kosovo’s NECP seeks to tackle both emissions reductions and energy security. The country plans to refurbish units at the Kosovo A coal plant while also increasing its renewable energy capacity, with over 100 MW of solar power projects planned. However, Kosovo still struggles with coal dependency, a lack of a clear coal phase-out strategy, and gaps in public consultation and data analysis. The NECP’s success depends on clear policy direction and broader stakeholder engagement.
Montenegro
Montenegro’s NECP is focused on transitioning from coal, particularly at the highly polluting Pljevlja power plant, and expanding renewable energy. Key elements include the development of hydropower, solar, and wind projects, as well as amendments to energy efficiency legislation. Montenegro has set a path for significant changes but must continue to develop policy frameworks to meet its decarbonization goals.
North Macedonia
North Macedonia’s NECP is one of the most ambitious in the region. The country is committed to cutting its greenhouse gas emissions by 82% from 1992 levels by 2030. It plans to close all coal-fired power plants by 2027, introduce a CO2 tax, and increase the share of renewable energy to 38% of final energy consumption. North Macedonia also seeks to diversify its energy sources, reducing its dependency on imports.
Serbia
Serbia’s NECP outlines the country’s transition toward sustainability, aiming to increase the share of renewable energy in electricity production to 45% by 2030. The country plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40.4% from 1990 levels, primarily by constructing solar and wind farms with a combined capacity of 3.4 GW. Additionally, Serbia plans to build a new gas power plant with a capacity of 350 MW, illustrating its balanced approach to energy transition.
The Governance of NECPs: Cooperation and Accountability
Governance is central to the success of the NECPs, as each country must demonstrate its commitment through action. To meet the target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 60% (compared to 1990s levels), regional cooperation is vital. The NECPs are expected to guide not only the energy sector but also impact transportation and agriculture in the coming years.
The Western Balkans’ shift toward climate neutrality requires robust frameworks and transparent implementation strategies. While the NECPs of the region demonstrate significant ambition, more effort is needed to ensure these plans are actionable, measurable, and successful. Strong governance structures, increased investments, and enhanced public engagement will be critical to achieving these goals.
The Western Balkans’ shift toward climate neutrality requires robust frameworks and transparent implementation strategies. While the NECPs of the region demonstrate significant ambition, more effort is needed to ensure these plans are actionable, measurable, and successful. Strong governance structures, increased investments, and enhanced public engagement will be critical to achieving these goals.
A Path Forward
The Western Balkans stand at a crucial juncture. With climate neutrality by 2050 as the ultimate goal, the success of the NECPs will depend on each country’s ability to overcome challenges such as coal dependency, economic constraints, and gaps in policy enforcement. However, through bold reforms, investments in renewable energy, and regional cooperation, the Western Balkans can become a model for sustainable energy transitions in Europe and beyond.
The road ahead may be long, but the NECPs have laid the foundation for a cleaner, more resilient future. The next step is turning these plans into action—ensuring that the Western Balkans not only meets its 2030 targets but sets a global example for the transition to a carbon-free world.
This text provides a balanced overview of the NECPs while making the information accessible and engaging for a wider audience. It ensures that complex technical details are explained clearly, without losing the depth of the content.
The road ahead may be long, but the NECPs have laid the foundation for a cleaner, more resilient future. The next step is turning these plans into action—ensuring that the Western Balkans not only meets its 2030 targets but sets a global example for the transition to a carbon-free world.
This text provides a balanced overview of the NECPs while making the information accessible and engaging for a wider audience. It ensures that complex technical details are explained clearly, without losing the depth of the content.