2027 target and combined investment
North Macedonia is targeting a 2027 construction start for the long-planned Čebren and Galište hydropower projects. The government said the renewed push would revive a combined investment of up to €1.5 billion following repeated failed concession attempts. The projects have been under discussion for years, but earlier private concession models did not reach implementation.
International financial institutions have shown interest in supporting the scheme, according to the government. However, no binding lender commitment or financial close has been announced . This distinction is central to the current stage of preparation.
Planned capacities for Čebren and Galište
The Čebren plant is planned at around 333 MW. Galište would add about 193.5 MW. Together, the two facilities are positioned as a domestic generation and flexibility upgrade if they move from planning to construction.
The latest strategy increasingly points towards a state-led structure with institutional financing. Previous concession approaches were unable to deliver the projects, leaving the programme reliant on a new implementation model .
Role in balancing as the system adds renewables
If built, the two plants would materially strengthen North Macedonia’s domestic generation and flexibility. Large hydro assets could provide balancing, reserves and peak power as the country adds wind, solar and battery storage while reducing reliance on lignite. The interaction between new variable renewables and dispatchable hydro is linked to system flexibility needs described by the government.
The economics are nevertheless challenging under the scale of the planned development. At up to €1.5 billion, the projects would require substantial long-term debt and a clear revenue framework capable of supporting construction and operating risk .
Permitting, water management and financing milestone
Environmental permitting and water management are identified as major issues for both hydropower developments. The 2027 timing is described as an execution objective rather than a banked timetable. Until financing is secured, Čebren and Galište remain among the region’s most strategically important, but repeatedly delayed, hydro ambitions.
The next decisive milestone will be financing, with no financial close yet announced. The government’s stated interest from international financial institutions has not translated into binding commitments .
