In the small village of Belica, North Macedonia, a determined group of residents is transforming the way their community interacts with energy. The Belica Renewable Energy Community (REC) represents one of the first local initiatives in the country to demonstrate how citizens can collectively produce, consume, and manage renewable energy. What started as a vision for energy self-sufficiency has grown into a model for community empowerment, environmental awareness, and sustainable rural development, inspiring neighboring villages and rural communities across the region.
The project centers around a 22 kW solar array installed on a communal building, which generates electricity primarily for the community’s own use. Surplus energy is fed back into the grid through a net-metering system, balancing production and consumption efficiently. Beyond technical gains, the initiative fosters cooperation, knowledge sharing, and a sense of shared responsibility, empowering residents to actively participate in shaping their energy future. The community also organizes regular educational workshops, school visits, and awareness campaigns, helping younger generations understand the benefits of renewable energy and the importance of environmental stewardship.
Real challenges, real solutions
Establishing a REC in North Macedonia is not without its hurdles. Electricity distribution remains a monopoly, with a single company controlling grid access. This makes approvals for new renewable installations slow and bureaucratically complex, often requiring extensive documentation and prolonged waiting periods. Many rural areas, including Belica, lack three-phase electricity connections, limiting the size and scalability of solar installations. Additionally, legislation for energy communities is still missing, creating uncertainty around formal recognition, rights, and responsibilities. These structural barriers require innovative local solutions, patience, and constant collaboration with municipal authorities.
These local challenges occur within a broader energy context. North Macedonia still relies heavily on lignite coal, with large power plants like REK Bitola and REK Oslomej providing a major portion of electricity. While these facilities ensure supply, they also pose significant environmental and public health challenges, including air pollution, habitat disruption, and water quality impacts. Belica REC offers a clean, community-driven alternative, demonstrating that local action can complement national energy strategies, reduce dependence on carbon-intensive energy sources, and promote a healthier environment for future generations.
Community at the core
What makes Belica REC truly remarkable is the human story behind the panels. Residents came together, pooled resources, and shared expertise, showing that small communities can lead meaningful change. The project provides hands-on learning opportunities, educates the next generation about sustainability, and strengthens social cohesion. It highlights how energy projects are not just about infrastructure but about people, their collaboration, and their vision for a healthier, more resilient community. The community’s active involvement—from planning and installation to management—ensures that each member feels ownership and pride in the initiative.
Inspiring a broader movement
Belica is more than a single solar installation — it is a proof of concept for rural North Macedonia and the wider Balkan region. By addressing technical, regulatory, and social barriers, it offers a replicable model for other communities seeking energy independence. For policymakers, donors, and NGOs, Belica shows the value of supporting grassroots initiatives, investing in infrastructure, and creating laws that empower citizens to take charge of their energy future.
The Belica Renewable Energy Community sends a clear message: the energy transition is not only a matter of national strategy but also of local initiative, creativity, and courage. Communities, when empowered, can innovate, inspire, and lead the way toward a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient future. By combining technology, participation, and education, Belica demonstrates that even small rural villages can make a meaningful contribution to global climate goals, while improving the quality of life locally.