Albania and North Macedonia started construction works on the first electricity interconnector between the two countries. The project is financed by the European Union (EU) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and is part of the EU’s initiative to establish an East-West electricity transmission corridor between Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, and Italy. The section between Bulgaria and North Macedonia, financed by the EBRD, has already been completed, and a new 400kV line between Albania and Montenegro as well as a submarine cable between Italy and Montenegro is also operational.

The new transmission line will provide improved and affordable energy supply to residents and businesses in North Macedonia by standardising voltage levels, stabilising load flow and frequency fluctuations, and decreasing technical losses in the overall transmission system. This project is important for the integration of European electricity markets and is a Project of Energy Community Interest (PECI) since 2013. It is included in the Strategy for Energy Development of North Macedonia until 2040 and is funded under the EU’s Connectivity Agenda.

The project, financed through the EU-led Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), is expected to be completed in 2023.