Policy Paper Renewable Power-to-Heat in the Bitola Region

EUKI project “Renewable Power-to-Heat in the Bitola Region” prepares the ground for a climate-neutral district heating network in and around Bitola, North Macedonia. It delivers a feasibility study that guides the transformation of the heating sector, addresses planning and investment barriers, and highlights the social and economic benefits of decarbonised heat for regional development.

The policy paper “Renewable Power-to-Heat in the Bitola Region” presents a strategic framework for a just and climate-neutral heating transition in North Macedonia, with Bitola as a model region. It shows that heat decarbonisation is not only a technical task but also a societal process that requires clear rules, citizen participation, and local ownership. The paper defines key action areas, including legal and regulatory reform, improved financing instruments, capacity building, and modern, flexible infrastructure. It proposes a stepwise transformation pathway towards 100 per cent renewable heat and offers concrete policy recommendations for national and local decision makers.