The Macedonian Electricity Transmission System Operator (MEPSO) received a loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and grant funds provided by Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) and Luxemburg to implement a high violate (400 kV) electricity transmission line between Macedonia and Albania.

The Project seeks to support MEPSO in the construction of the Macedonian portion of the planned 400 kV cross-border electricity interconnection with Albania, the first interconnection between the two countries, and the introduction of Smart Grid Efficiency Improvements to the MEPSO’s infrastructure. The Project will provide crucial cross-border infrastructure, delivering transition impact through the expansion of competitive market interactions and setting standards for corporate governance and business conduct.

The Project has a total estimated cost of about EUR 49 million and includes the supply and installation of equipment, implementation of works and provision of services as follows:

Construction of a new single circuit 400 kV overhead transmission (“OHTL”) line from the Bitola 2 Substation (“B2 SS”) to Ohrid Substation (“Ohrid SS”);
Construction of a new single circuit 400 kV OHTL from Ohrid substation to the connection point at the Macedonian – Albanian border;
Construction of a 400/110 kV substation in Ohrid;
Unbundling and construction of 110 kV connections;
Extension of the B2 Substation for new OHTL bay to Ohrid;
Implementation of Smart Grid Efficiency Components as (i) The upgrading of a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA); (ii) Hardware and software for energy forecasting for renewable power plants; (iii) Automated Demand Response; (iv) Implementation of Wide Area Monitoring System (WAMS); and (v) Study for the effects of Plug-in Electrics Vehicles (PEV) on the Transmission Grid in Macedonia;
Project management services.