Construction of the 400 kV interconnection line between North Macedonia and Albania has begun

Construction has officially begun on the 400 kV interconnection line linking North Macedonia and Albania, launching one of the region’s most significant energy infrastructure projects in a decade. The cross-border transmission line - part of the strategic pan-European Corridor VIII - will strengthen energy security, boost regional integration, and open new possibilities for electricity exchange between the two countries.

Speaking at the launch event on 2 April 2026 in Skopje, North Macedonia, Dr Burim Latifi, General Director of North Macedonia's state-owned power transmission company MEPSO, underlined the strategic nature of the investment: “This interconnection is a bridge of trust, an example of progress for both countries and the entire region.”

Despite earlier delays and the launch of a tender for a new contractor, the project is now moving into the construction phase, which includes building a 97.5-km transmission line in North Macedonia, a transformer substation near Ohrid, and a transmission line bay in Bitola.

“This is a strategic basis for the new energy map of our country”, said Energy Minister Sanja Božinovska. “What we are starting today will last much longer than one mandate, one generation or one economic cycle. We are setting up the infrastructure that will be used by future production capacities, new industries, digital platforms, data centres and generations to come.”

Deputy Head of EU Delegation, Mr Ben Nupnau underlined that “by investing in this project, and supporting the cross-border energy connectivity, we ensure not only the energy security of North Macedonia and Albania, but also of the EU. In these turbulent times of geopolitical changes, we must more than ever continue jointly building a true union by reinforcing grids, developing renewables, building interconnections and integrating markets to increase our energy supply from clean, green and homegrown sources.”

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) provided a €37 million loan to support the construction of the while the EU co-financed the investment with a €12 million contribution under the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF).

Work commenced on the Albanian side in December 2023 and is well underway. Upon completion, the interconnector marks a decisive step toward a modern, resilient regional electricity market.