Construction of the high-voltage transmission line connecting Elbasan in central Albania to Bitola in southwestern North Macedonia is approaching its final stages. Albania’s Foreign Minister, Elisa Spiropali, has indicated that the project is nearly complete, although a specific date for its integration into the national grid has yet to be disclosed.
This 400 kV interconnector is a critical component of a larger regional electricity corridor aimed at linking Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, and Italy. Once operational, it is anticipated to enhance cross-border energy exchanges and bolster grid stability across southeastern Europe, which is essential for meeting the region’s growing energy demands.
Construction on the Albanian segment commenced in December 2023, while initial work on the North Macedonian side began in February 2022. However, due to delays, authorities issued a new tender in April 2022 to select a contractor for completing the outstanding segments of the project. The total investment required for both sections is estimated at approximately €135 million, with Albania’s portion accounting for around €83 million.
Funding for the Albanian section includes €19.4 million in grants from the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) and a €50 million loan from Germany’s KfW Development Bank, supplemented by contributions from the national budget. This financial structure reflects a collaborative effort to enhance regional infrastructure and energy security.
The interconnection will link two distinct energy systems: North Macedonia relies heavily on coal for electricity production, while Albania primarily utilizes hydropower plants. This synergy is expected to facilitate more adaptable electricity flows between the two markets and further promote regional energy integration, which is vital for achieving sustainability goals and improving energy resilience in Southeast Europe.
