In a significant move to enhance regional energy security, North Macedonia has resumed its long-stalled electricity interconnection project with Albania. The country’s transmission system operator, MEPSO, has announced the recommencement of the 400 kV transmission line project, following a strategic reassessment of the project’s trajectory.
This interconnection aims to establish a direct link between the electrical grids of North Macedonia and Albania, which is anticipated to bolster energy supply security and facilitate improved electricity trading across the Balkan region. Such developments are crucial for fostering stability in energy markets amid increasing demand and fluctuating supply scenarios.
The North Macedonian segment of the project encompasses the construction of a 97.5-kilometer transmission line, alongside a new transformer substation located near Ohrid and an additional transmission bay in Bitola. Authorities have outlined a completion timeframe of 30 months, reflecting an urgent push towards greater integration with neighboring energy systems.
Financial backing for this initiative has been secured through support from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), which has provided a €37 million loan and facilitated an additional €12 million grant via the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF). However, details regarding the total investment value remain undisclosed.
<pInitially launched into construction in early 2022, the project faced setbacks that led to MEPSO terminating its contract with Energo-invest in late 2024 due to issues related to non-performance and unapproved payment requests. In response, MEPSO initiated a new tender process in April 2025 to appoint another contractor capable of advancing the project effectively.
<pConcurrently, Albania has commenced work on its section of the interconnection as of late 2023. The revival of construction efforts on North Macedonia's side marks a pivotal advancement toward completing this critical cross-border link, poised to enhance regional grid stability and promote deeper market integration within Southeast Europe.
