Skopje, 14 November 2023 (MIA) - Representatives of transmission system operators, regulatory bodies and electricity exchanges in North Macedonia, Greece, Albania and Kosovo signed Monday a Memorandum of Understanding in Athens over the merging of electricity markets and the establishment of a single electricity market that will be connected to the European market, MEPSO said in a press release.

"The regional integration of our country’s market with a country from the EU – Greece, as well as Albania and Kosovo is only a step and a prelude to achieving the goal – a single electricity market in Europe that implies efficiency, optimal use of transmission capacities and the possibility of greater inclusion of electricity production, or increasing and enhancing investments in renewable energy sources and access to new technologies," said the President of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), Marko Bislimoski.

The General Director of the Electricity Transmission System Operator of North Macedonia (MEPSO), Zuhdi Enuz, noted that signing the Memorandum is only part of the process that all Balkan countries are working on thoroughly and without reservation.

"The process of merging electricity markets is a powerful tool for improving market liquidity, grid stability, integrating renewable energy sources, increasing transparency and competition, which will benefit consumers, the economy and all participants on the market," Enuz notes.

According to General Director of the National Electricity Market Operator of North Macedonia (MEMO), Simon Shutinovski, the Memorandum provides an opportunity for MEMO and North Macedonia to take the next step towards further integration with energy markets in the rest of Europe.

"We can create an environment able to optimize the use of cross-border interconnectors and electricity trade, which will lead to a more sustainable transition to clean energy," Shutinovski added.

In addition to MEPSO and MEMO, the Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO) from Greece, Transmission System Operator (OST sh.a.) and Albanian Power Exchange (ALPEX) from Albania, KOSTT from Kosovo, and regulatory commission representatives from all four signatory countries signed the memorandum.ssh/ad/

Photo: MEPSO