Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said the Government is seriously considering developing the 333 MW Čebren and Galište hydropower complex without a private concession partner. The announcement follows multiple earlier efforts to attract investors that did not progress. The project is planned on the Crna River and is estimated to require around €1.5 billion in investment.
Government discussions on financing for the 333 MW complex
Authorities have opened discussions with international financial institutions about a potential syndicated financing package. Government estimates indicate the project’s strategic importance extends beyond North Macedonia. Officials said the broader benefits would cover the Western Balkans region.
Reservoir storage and irrigation benefits downstream of Tikveš
The hydropower scheme is designed to generate electricity and provide water storage through future reservoirs. The storage capacity is intended to help mitigate the increasing impacts of climate variability and drought conditions. The infrastructure is also expected to improve irrigation for approximately 60,000 hectares of agricultural land downstream from the existing Tikveš hydropower facility.
The irrigated area is described as having strong agricultural output, including vineyards and wine production. Officials linked these functions to the project’s integrated approach combining power generation with water management and agricultural support.
Long-delayed development attempts and stalled concession talks
The Government’s move comes after unsuccessful development attempts spanning several decades. Most recently, progress stalled when a consortium of Greek companies failed to meet conditions required to finalize a concession agreement with the Government. Officials said this history has led to renewed consideration of direct state development.
If financing arrangements are secured, officials expect the Čebren and Galište development to become one of the largest energy projects undertaken in North Macedonia. They said it could strengthen national energy security and regional resource resilience.
