North Macedonia launches large investment in electricity transmission network
Struga, 29 August 2021 (MIA) – The realization of North Macedonia’s investment in an electricity transmission network, worth EUR 50 million, started on Sunday with the launch of construction works at the Ohrid substation, as part of the new 400 kV Bitola-Elbasan transmission line.
The expected end date for the project, which entails the construction of the 400 kV Bitola-Elbasan transmission line, the 400/110 kV substation and the 400 kV transmission line field at the Bitola 2 substation, is 2023.
The realization of this capital investment, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev said, sends the message to current and future domestic and foreign investors that North Macedonia has created conditions for safe and reliable electricity transmission.
He also stressed the importance of this capital investment for establishing a more developed and more stable energy infrastructure in North Macedonia and the region.
“Sunday’s launch event marks the start of the construction of 400 kV transmission line from Bitola (North Macedonia) to Elbasan (Albania), as part of Corridor 8. The realization of this investment will ensure energy transit from Bulgaria, across North Macedonia, to Albania and Italy,” Zaev underlined.
He reiterated that North Macedonia has five 400 kV interconnectors – two with Greece and one each with Serbia, Kosovo and Bulgaria.
“By connecting North Macedonia’s electricity transmission systems with Albania, we’re finalizing the process of connecting the country with neighbors. North Macedonia plays a key role in regional energy connection, so this investment is as important for us as is for the entire region,” the PM said.
The government, he added, is investing in modern and permanent projects, crucial for stable and long-term economic development.
“We’re building good neighbourly relations with one goal in mid – new investments, new jobs and higher standards, all with the aim of overall economic prosperity,” Zaev stressed.
Transport and Communications Minister Blagoj Bochvarski, Economy Minister Kreshnik Bekteshi, Albania’s Deputy Minister of Energy and Industry Ilir Bejtja, Transmission System Operator CEO Skerdi Drenova and AD MEPSO CEO Kushtrim Ramadani also attended the event.
“The construction of the transmission line will contribute to the region’s integration in energy markets, improve safety of electricity supply and be the new highway for transmission of electricity, ensuring all economic operators have access to energy at competitive prices,” Bekteshi said.
According to him, the importance and need for regional cooperation are some of the priorities of the energy strategy, which defines precise measures and projects for cross-border connection.
“Enhancing regional cooperation in the field of energy provides opportunities and potential to create a sustainable and growing economy. Realization of projects aimed at energy interconnection with other countries is our top priority. Aside from those focusing on electricity transmission, projects establishing gas connection with countries in the region are also important, as they are set to benefit all citizens by proving energy at competitive prices,” the Minister stressed.
Minister Bochvarski told the event that the project will ensure high-quality, uninterrupted energy supply, overcome issues and the improve the electricity transmission network in the south-west part of North Macedonia.
“Today, we open the door to energy the east-west energy connection, one of our main strategic goals. This project will finalize our energy connection with neighbors. It will ensure the security, stability and reliability of our electricity transmission system, as well as our participation in regional initiatives and markets, with the aim of integration on the common European electricity market, which will provide increased competitiveness and economic benefit for all citizens,” Ramadani said.
He also announced increase in power produced from renewable energy sources.
“This EUR 50 million investment, financed by an EUR 12 million grant from the WBIF, an EUR 37 million loan from the EBRD and MEPSO’s own funds, has several components including the substation whose construction starts today. The construction contract was signed with Croatian company Koncar in January 2020 and is valid through April 2023. Despite difficult conditions brought on by teh pandemic, we managed to launch the project with only several weeks delay and we’re convinced that construction works will wrap within the deadline,” said MEPSO’s CEO.
The launch, organized by AD MEPSO, was also addressed by representatives from the EU Delegation, as well as from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
The realization of this capital investment, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev said, sends the message to current and future domestic and foreign investors that North Macedonia has created conditions for safe and reliable electricity transmission.
He also stressed the importance of this capital investment for establishing a more developed and more stable energy infrastructure in North Macedonia and the region.
“Sunday’s launch event marks the start of the construction of 400 kV transmission line from Bitola (North Macedonia) to Elbasan (Albania), as part of Corridor 8. The realization of this investment will ensure energy transit from Bulgaria, across North Macedonia, to Albania and Italy,” Zaev underlined.
He reiterated that North Macedonia has five 400 kV interconnectors – two with Greece and one each with Serbia, Kosovo and Bulgaria.
“By connecting North Macedonia’s electricity transmission systems with Albania, we’re finalizing the process of connecting the country with neighbors. North Macedonia plays a key role in regional energy connection, so this investment is as important for us as is for the entire region,” the PM said.
The government, he added, is investing in modern and permanent projects, crucial for stable and long-term economic development.
“We’re building good neighbourly relations with one goal in mid – new investments, new jobs and higher standards, all with the aim of overall economic prosperity,” Zaev stressed.
Transport and Communications Minister Blagoj Bochvarski, Economy Minister Kreshnik Bekteshi, Albania’s Deputy Minister of Energy and Industry Ilir Bejtja, Transmission System Operator CEO Skerdi Drenova and AD MEPSO CEO Kushtrim Ramadani also attended the event.
“The construction of the transmission line will contribute to the region’s integration in energy markets, improve safety of electricity supply and be the new highway for transmission of electricity, ensuring all economic operators have access to energy at competitive prices,” Bekteshi said.
According to him, the importance and need for regional cooperation are some of the priorities of the energy strategy, which defines precise measures and projects for cross-border connection.
“Enhancing regional cooperation in the field of energy provides opportunities and potential to create a sustainable and growing economy. Realization of projects aimed at energy interconnection with other countries is our top priority. Aside from those focusing on electricity transmission, projects establishing gas connection with countries in the region are also important, as they are set to benefit all citizens by proving energy at competitive prices,” the Minister stressed.
Minister Bochvarski told the event that the project will ensure high-quality, uninterrupted energy supply, overcome issues and the improve the electricity transmission network in the south-west part of North Macedonia.
“Today, we open the door to energy the east-west energy connection, one of our main strategic goals. This project will finalize our energy connection with neighbors. It will ensure the security, stability and reliability of our electricity transmission system, as well as our participation in regional initiatives and markets, with the aim of integration on the common European electricity market, which will provide increased competitiveness and economic benefit for all citizens,” Ramadani said.
He also announced increase in power produced from renewable energy sources.
“This EUR 50 million investment, financed by an EUR 12 million grant from the WBIF, an EUR 37 million loan from the EBRD and MEPSO’s own funds, has several components including the substation whose construction starts today. The construction contract was signed with Croatian company Koncar in January 2020 and is valid through April 2023. Despite difficult conditions brought on by teh pandemic, we managed to launch the project with only several weeks delay and we’re convinced that construction works will wrap within the deadline,” said MEPSO’s CEO.
The launch, organized by AD MEPSO, was also addressed by representatives from the EU Delegation, as well as from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
