BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 4. North Macedonia has
potential to serve as a transit route for Azerbaijani gas to other
European markets, North Macedonian Minister of Energy, Mining and
Minerals Sanja Bozinovska said in an exclusive interview with
Trend on the
occasion of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council’s meeting in
Baku.
“North Macedonia views the Southern Gas Corridor as a
strategically important project for diversifying natural gas
supply, enhancing energy security, and accelerating the transition
toward a more sustainable energy system. In this context, North
Macedonia is prepared to strengthen cooperation with Azerbaijan and
other partners in the Southern Gas Corridor and to take concrete
steps to ensure energy stability both at the national and regional
levels,” she said.
The minister pointed out that there is a strong commitment in
North Macedonia to diversify gas supply sources, with Azerbaijan
playing a crucial role as a reliable supplier.
“This is essential for our country, as it not only strengthens
energy security and independence but also opens new opportunities
for the development of gas infrastructure and increased utilization
of natural gas. To achieve these objectives, North Macedonia is
actively working on completing the gas interconnection with Greece,
a key infrastructure project that will provide access to the
liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Alexandroupolis and
Azerbaijani gas through the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP).
Simultaneously, efforts are underway to expand the domestic gas
distribution network, ensuring broader accessibility and greater
efficiency in gas utilization,” noted Bozinovska.
She noted that North Macedonia aspires to become a significant
player in the regional energy market and an active partner in
initiatives aimed at improving connectivity and securing energy
supplies.
“Given its geographical position in the Balkans, North Macedonia
has the potential to serve as a transit route for Azerbaijani gas
to other European markets. The country is determined to strengthen
collaboration with EU and Southeast European partners to secure
stable, affordable, and sustainable energy supplies and to
participate in future gas network development projects. Although
natural gas is a fossil fuel, North Macedonia considers it a
transitional energy source that, through the development of
cogeneration gas power plants, will contribute to reducing coal
dependency in electricity production while increasing the capacity
for renewable energy sources,” said the North Macedonian
minister.
She announced that at the upcoming Advisory Council meeting on
the Southern Gas Corridor, North Macedonia will reaffirm its
commitment to becoming a more competitive and stable part of the
regional energy market while positioning itself as an active
participant in shaping the region’s future energy supply.
“The country will outline concrete positions and initiatives
aimed at improving energy connectivity, enhancing the security of
natural gas supply, and supporting the green transition process.
Discussions will focus on the possibility of securing long-term gas
supply agreements with Azerbaijan through the TAP pipeline and
alternative routes within the Southern Gas Corridor, as well as
ensuring stable and competitive prices. Additionally, the strategic
importance of the gas interconnector with Greece will be
emphasized, as it will provide access to diverse gas sources,
including LNG from Alexandroupolis and Azerbaijani gas from TAP.
North Macedonia will reiterate its commitment to completing this
project and seek support for its operational implementation,” said
the minister.
Bozinovska went on to add that given the importance of
diversification and energy security for the Western Balkans, North
Macedonia will also propose exploring the creation of a regional
coordination platform for gas supply among Southeast European
countries.
“This initiative aims to enhance regional energy security and
optimize transportation and supply capacities through better
synchronization of infrastructure projects. North Macedonia will
advocate for the implementation of projects that enable greater gas
utilization, both in electricity production and across industrial
and residential sectors,” she said.
The minister noted that North Macedonia recognizes the Southern
Gas Corridor as a strategically significant initiative for ensuring
energy security, stability, and diversification of natural gas
supply in Europe.
“As a country actively expanding its gas infrastructure and
integrating with regional and European gas networks, North
Macedonia has a clear vision for supporting the continued
development of this initiative. Through infrastructure investments,
long-term agreements, regional cooperation, and support for the
energy transition, the country aims to contribute to the creation
of a stable, secure, and sustainable energy market in the interest
of both the region and the broader European community,” said
Bozinovska.
She noted that one of the key ways North Macedonia can
contribute to strengthening the Southern Gas Corridor is through
investments in national gas infrastructure and interconnectivity
with neighboring countries.
“The primary project in this regard is the gas interconnection
with Greece, which will enable access to natural gas transported
via TAP and LNG terminals in Alexandroupolis. This project will
position North Macedonia as an active consumer and a potential
distribution hub for Azerbaijani gas and other sources within the
Southern Gas Corridor. Additionally, the development of a national
gas distribution network to ensure stable supply for industries,
households, and the public sector remains a top priority. This will
also facilitate the construction of at least two new cogeneration
gas power plants and the conversion of an existing oil-fueled power
plant into a gas-powered facility,” added the minister.
She noted that North Macedonia is committed to securing
long-term gas supply agreements with Azerbaijan, ensuring a
reliable and competitively priced energy source.
“During discussions at the meeting in Baku, North Macedonia will
emphasize its readiness to cooperate with Azerbaijani partners and
explore opportunities for additional gas volumes through the
Southern Gas Corridor. While North Macedonia remains strongly
committed to the development of renewable energy sources, natural
gas continues to be a key transitional energy source. Expanding
access to natural gas will help reduce reliance on coal in power
generation, which is essential for lowering greenhouse gas
emissions and achieving climate targets,” Bozinovska said.
The minister also highlighted that North Macedonia and
Azerbaijan have signed a memorandum of cooperation during the COP29
summit in Baku.
“Through bilateral meetings, Azerbaijan has already offered
concrete collaboration opportunities that could help North
Macedonia position itself as a serious regional center for gas
transportation. This has strategic significance for the country’s
energy future and will bring benefits to both the economy and
citizens. North Macedonia is committed to advancing this initiative
and looks forward to support from international partners,” she
said.
The minister noted that supply of Azerbaijani natural gas plays
a crucial role in transforming North Macedonia’s energy landscape,
bringing several significant benefits.
“Firstly, it ensures diversification of energy sources, as North
Macedonia currently has limited natural gas supply capacities.
Azerbaijani gas, arriving through the Southern Gas Corridor and the
gas interconnection with Greece, provides a secure and sustainable
alternative, reducing dependence on a single supplier.
Secondly, it guarantees supply stability and security. By
joining the Southern Gas Corridor, North Macedonia will secure
long-term energy stability. Equally important, this will aid in
reducing coal dependency and support the country’s energy
transition. We consider natural gas a transitional fuel in the
process of phasing out coal as the primary energy source for
electricity generation. Both industry and households will benefit
from a cleaner energy source, contributing to lower CO₂ emissions
and improved air quality. Additionally, this will serve as a
stimulus for economic development, as long-term natural gas
availability will attract new investments in the industrial and
energy sectors. For all these reasons, North Macedonia is highly
interested to ensure predictability, price stability, and energy
security,” said the minister.
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