MEPSO: Macedonia – Albania High Voltage Electricity Transmission, Phase 1
Funded by: European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
Client: Macedonian Electricity Transmission System Operator (MEPSO)
Implementing partners: Decon (Germany), Consulectra (Germany)
Overall project value: 1.804.085 €
Country: Macedonia
Implementing period: 01/2019 – 12/2022
Detailed description of project
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.
Type of services provided
TASK I. Project Preparation Phase
- Development of PIU operating procedures
- Support during the procurement process in accordance with EBRD rules
- Support during the bids evaluation process
- Support during contract finalization
TASK II. Project Implementation Phase
- Preparation of technical documentation and specifications and technical design of equipment;
- Site supervision, monitoring and reporting;
- Health and safety supervision;
- Preparation of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study;
- Preparation of Social Impact Assessment study;
- Testing, commissioning and operational acceptance of equipment and plant;
- Project Completion report.
TASK III. Smart Grid
- Commissioning and Operational Acceptance
- Environmental and Social Action Plan
- Knowledge transfer to Client