Macedonia, Construction of 400 kV transmission line connecting electricity system of North Macedonia and Albania has started

Published on 21. February 2022., SEE Energy News

The Government of North Macedonia said that the construction of 400 kV transmission line connecting electricity system of North Macedonia and Albania has started.

The project for the construction of the Macedonian section of the interconnection is worth 17.2 million euros. The 50 million euros worth electricity interconnection would connect Bitola in North Macedonia to Elbasan in Albania. Currently, Albania is the only neighboring country with whom North Macedonia does not have an interconnection.

Last August, North Macedonia launched the construction of 400/110 kV substation in Ohrid, which marks the first step in the construction of electricity interconnection with Albania.

Electricity transmission system operator MEPSO is in charge of the construction of the Macedonian section of 400 kV transmission line Bitola-Elbasan between Macedonia and Albania, which would be the first interconnection between the two countries. Total cost of the project (Macedonian side) is estimated at 48 million euros. This project is a part of the European Commission’s initiative to establish electricity transmission corridor between Bulgaria, Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro and Italy, which also includes the construction of submarine DC cable between Montenegro and Italy. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) secured financing for the project back in 2015 – a grant worth 12 million euros and a 36 million euros loan.

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