The electricity transmission system operators of North Macedonia (MEPSO) and Kosovo (KOSTT) have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to develop the electricity transmission network.
The plan mainly focuses on the construction of a new 400-kilovolt (kV) interconnector between Tetovo (North Macedonia) and Prizren (Kosovo), which aligns with the EU’s 2050 energy transition targets and has been nominated as a candidate for increasing transmission capacity through the European ENTSO-E planning platform.
Currently, North Macedonia and Kosovo have only one interconnection, but according to ENTSO-E analyses, the Southeast Europe region requires a significant increase in transmission capacities, at least a doubling.
The investment will include the construction of a new 400/110 kV transformer station in Tetovo and a new 400 kV transmission line from Tetovo to Ohrid and Skopje.
Encouraging new investments in renewables
“The 400 kV Tetovo–Prizren transmission line will not only increase the capacity and reliability of the system, but will also enable greater electricity exchanges, encouraging new investments in renewable energy sources (RES),’ said Dr Burim Latifi, Director-General and Chairman of the Board at MEPSO.
“This memorandum confirms the cooperation between Kosovo and North Macedonia and our joint commitment to creating a modern and reliable energy infrastructure,” said Shaban Neziri, CEO of KOSTT. “With this project, we are enhancing energy connectivity in the region and contributing to achieving the energy goals of the Western Balkans.”
Currently, the project is in the planning and technical preparation phase, with the start of construction depending on securing financial resources and the necessary coordination with all relevant stakeholders.