Skopje, 23 December 2024 (MIA) - The Electricity Transmission System Operator of North Macedonia (MEPSO) said Monday it has terminated the contract with Bosnian energy company Energoinvest for the construction of a 400 kV electrical interconnector from Bitola to the border with Albania.

“The contractor’s failure to fulfill its obligations and the requests for additional payments led to the termination of the contract. The contract with Energoinvest was agreed on February 7, 2020, and it included a 30-month construction deadline. The deadline expired on May 30, 2023,” MEPSO said in a press release.

MEPSO said the decision to terminate the contract comes after several failed attempts to renegotiate and reach an agreement with the energy company. It said the termination of the contract in fact represents “the beginning of the completion of the project which is a top priority for MEPSO and the Government”, stressing that preparations are already underway to restart the project.

“A new tender procedure will be initiated in accordance with EBRD’s guidelines for the selection of a new contractor that will resume the construction. The successful realization of this interconnection remains a priority for MEPSO, because it would strengthen regional energy stability and integration, with significant benefits for North Macedonia, Albania and the region as a whole,” stressed MEPSO.

Photo: MIA Archive