Skopje, 10 July 2026 (MIA) - The gas interconnector with Greece is entering a significantly more intensive stage of its implementation. The pace of construction has increased after intensive coordination between the Ministry of Energy, Mining, and Mineral Resources, NOMAGAS, and Greek operator DESFA, said the Ministry of Energy, Mining, and Mineral resources in a press release Friday.

In the press release, the Ministry said Minister Sanja Bozhinovska and representatives of Greek operator DESFA and NOMAGAS inspected construction on the interconnector. 

“At this stage, 95 percent of the land expropriation has been completed, around 85 percent of the route has been cleared, and the production of all pipes planned for the projects has been completed. So far, pipes covering 34 kilometers have been delivered, of which 21 kilometers have already been laid out along the route. Pipeline welding has been completed for 13.7 kilometers, featuring over 800 successful welds, and more than 6.300 meters of pipe have already been buried. At the same time, six of the seven planned road undercrossings have been finished, and about 65 percent of the associated facilities have been secured,” the Ministry said. 

The inspection of work on the ground comes after the Ministry held working meetings with the executive director of NOMAGAS, Nedim Rama, and the chief executive officer of DESFA, Maria Sferruzza, during which they reaffirmed the shared commitment to intensive coordination and realization of the project in line with the established deadlines. They also reiterated the shared assessment that the interconnector will be completed in 2027, the Ministry said.

“The project represents an investment in the energy security, economic stability, and future development of the country. Our priority is to have a high-quality and timely implementation of the project. The process has accelerated and all institutions are working in coordination to ensure a successful completion of this strategic investment,” Bozhinovska said. 

According to the Ministry, with the construction of the gas interconnector with Greece, North Macedonia will receive a new entry point for natural gas, access to several supply sources, greater diversification, and a higher degree of energy security, as well as connection to the regional and European energy infrastructure.

Photo: Ministry of Energy, Mining, and Mineral Resources