Today marked a historic milestone for North Macedonia’s energy sector with the laying of the foundation stone for the 400 kV transmission line from TS “Bitola 2” to the Macedonian–Albanian border. This capital project is a strategic interconnection that completes North Macedonia’s electricity links with all neighbouring countries and strengthens the country’s position as a reliable partner in the regional energy market.
The event was attended by the Prime Minister, Hristijan Mickoski; the Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources, Sanja Bozhinovska; Albania’s Minister of Energy, Enea Karakaçi; representatives of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the European Union and local authorities, as well as the management and project teams of MEPSO.
In her address, Minister Sanja Bozhinovska emphasized:
“Today we stand before a project that defines the future of the Macedonian energy system. With the 400 kV interconnection transmission line, we are strengthening the transmission network, increasing capacity and reinforcing our position in regional energy flows. This project sends a clear message to investors that our transmission infrastructure is ready for the future economy and the green transition.”
The project not only increases the security and stability of electricity supply, but also enables greater integration of renewable energy sources, stimulates investment in the energy sector and closes the last remaining gap in the national transmission system.
The project’s history shows that, through strategic decisions by MEPSO, 51.2% of the equipment has already been secured and will be used by the newly selected contractor, ensuring continuity of the investment and protection of the national interest.
With this interconnection, North Macedonia and Albania are strengthening their regional partnership, enabling stable exchange of green energy and sending a clear message of reliability within European energy policies.
The project includes the construction of a 97.5 km transmission line on Macedonian territory, supported by 269 steel lattice towers, a transformer station near Ohrid, and a transmission field at TS Bitola 2, with an implementation period of 900 days (30 months).
The project is financed and supported by international partners, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the European Union, and forms a key part of the regional Energy Corridor 8. Its implementation reaffirms North Macedonia’s strategic commitment to a modern, stable and green energy future.
