On 17 February, works commenced on the 400 kV transmission line that starts from the Bitola 2 transformer station and connects the power transmission systems of North Macedonia and Albania. The project has exceptional regional strategic and capital value as it completes the process of connecting North Macedonia to the power transmission systems of all the neighbouring countries, adding to the five 400 kV interconnections already operational – two connections with Greece and one each with Bulgaria, Kosovo and Serbia.

This transmission line is part of the larger capital project of €50 million for the interconnection of North Macedonia with Albania, including the construction of a transformer station near Ohrid which started in August, as well as the expansion of the Bitola 2 400/110 kV transformer station. In the context of the entire east-west power chain, the Bitola-Elbasan interconnection transmission line is the key link in the transit of electricity from Bulgaria through North Macedonia and Albania to Italy.

The new transmission line will provide improved and affordable energy supply to residents and businesses in North Macedonia by normalising voltage levels, stabilising load flow and frequency fluctuations, and decreasing technical losses in the overall transmission system. This Western Balkans Investment Framework project is expected to be completed in 2023.