2027 construction target for Čebren-Galište complex
North Macedonia is targeting a 2027 construction start for the long-planned Čebren and Galište hydropower projects. The government is reviving a combined investment of up to €1.5 billion after repeated failed concession attempts. The planned scope includes two separate plants with different generating capacities.
Čebren is planned at around 333 MW, while Galište would add about 193.5 MW. The 2027 timing is presented as an execution objective rather than a banked timetable. A key condition for progress remains the availability of financing.
Financing status and shift toward state-led structure
The government says international financial institutions have shown interest in supporting the scheme, but no binding lender commitment or financial close has yet been announced. That distinction is important for assessing whether the projects are ready to move into procurement and construction. The next decisive milestone will be financing.
The projects have been discussed for years, and previous private concession models failed to reach implementation. The latest strategy increasingly points towards a state-led structure with institutional financing. Until a financing outcome is reached, Čebren and Galište remain among the region’s most strategically important, but repeatedly delayed, hydro ambitions.
Role in system flexibility and power balancing
If built, the two plants would materially strengthen North Macedonia’s domestic generation and flexibility. Large hydro assets could provide balancing, reserves and peak power as the country adds wind, solar and battery storage. This would also coincide with efforts to reduce reliance on lignite.
The economics are nevertheless challenging, with the overall investment capped at up to €1.5 billion. The projects would require substantial long-term debt and a clear revenue framework capable of supporting construction and operating risk. Environmental permitting and water management are also identified as major issues.
