Skopje, 28 April 2025 (MIA) - Electricity Transmission System Operator of North Macedonia (MEPSO) released Monday an international tender for construction of the 400kV line with Albania, a project aimed to complete the regional energy corridor East-West and of key importance for regional integration and the country's energy stability. The new tender comes after the previous contractor put the project at risk through unjustified demands for additional funds and withdrawal from the construction works, leading to the contract being terminated.

The tender encompasses the construction of 100km of transmission line from transformer station Bitola 2 up to the border with Albania, worth EUR 17 million, funded through a loan and grants from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the EU. The most favorable bidder is to be selected in the third quarter, the project is expected to be launched at the onset of 2026 and fully finished by the end of 2027.

"The construction of this interconnector will position our system as an essential element of the European electricity infrastructure, ensuring stable participation in regional markets, access to the system-balance services and safer supply for all citizens," MEPSO Director General Buril Latifi told a press conference in the Government.

According to him, the new line will significantly increase the resilience of the transmission grid, with minimized risk of disruptions and price shocks, open room for connection of new capacities for electricity production from renewable sources, and strategic integration of regional and European markets, which will contribute to stable, accessible and competitive electricity prices on the long run.

"About EUR 5.8 million were already transferred to the former contractor 'Energoinvest', of which about EUR 2 million have been refunded through the bank guarantee. I would not say there are any financial repercussions because the funds that had been transferred were used for procurement of equipment that we own and amounts to about 50 percent of the equipment we need for the complete realization of the project. Experts from the faculties of mechanical and electrical engineering have confirmed that the equipment is of proper quality and quantity," said Latifi.

The decision to terminate the contract was taken after consultation with various stakeholders, because of unfounded claims for additional funds and one-sided withdrawal from the construction works.

"All of this is in violation of the agreement and was the main argument for its termination. In addition, we have seen only 24 out of 269 pillars constructed since 2020, which clearly shows that lack of seriousness for the project's completion," noted Latifi.

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