Albania-North Macedonia energy link nears completion, Ohrid substation enters testing phase

The 400-kilovolt energy interconnection project between Albania and North Macedonia is entering its final implementation phase, according to statements by MEPSO head Burim Latifi. He stressed that work on the 400 kV Ohrid substation has made significant progress toward completion, and after the installation of main and auxiliary equipment, technical and operational testing has begun.

After an on-site inspection visit, Latifi said that these procedures represent the final stage before the substation becomes operational, being a key link in the project aimed at integrating the power grids of the two countries.

The director of MEPSO JSC added that progress is also being made at a steady pace in the rest of the initiative, specifically on the 400 kV transmission line linking Bitola with Elbasan. He noted that pole erection has begun, with some already installed, while work continues intensively at other points along the line’s route. According to him, this advancement demonstrates an unwavering commitment to completing the project within the planned deadlines.

On the other hand, the political formation VLEN described this project as part of a broader strategy for the development of Corridor 8, which includes not only road and railway connections but also extends into the energy field, serving as a bridge between North Macedonia, Albania, and the European energy market.

VLEN assessed that the full completion of this project will generate a new connection of strategic importance for both countries, strengthen the stability of the transmission grid, increase cross-border exchange opportunities, and accelerate the integration of the regional energy market. For this political force, Corridor 8 goes beyond the simple meaning of an infrastructure project and represents a development vision that brings the country closer to the region and the European Union through modern energy, road, and railway corridors.

The project has not been without controversy. A few months ago, the opposition party BDI accused MEPSO and director Latifi, claiming they had seriously jeopardized the interconnection’s progress. According to BDI, actions related to the enforcement of a bank guarantee against the Croatian firm Dalekovod and the subsequent signing of a new contract worth 19.3 million euros with the same company raise questions about the professionalism of the decisions and the influence of party interests.