Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski announced that North Macedonia is actively working on the gas interconnector with Greece after seven years of stagnation, aiming to transform the country into a key energy transit hub. The project, along with other energy sector initiatives, is expected to shift North Macedonia from an import-dependent nation to an electricity exporter, positively impacting its financial stability.

Mickoski stated that the previous government had left behind a completed project with signed contracts, secured financing, and a design, but failed to progress it due to a corruption-tainted tender. The current government has corrected the tender documentation, selected contractors, and received approval from lenders to resume the project.

According to Mickoski, the construction company has already commenced field activities with rapid progress. An official presentation of the second interconnector to the Macedonian citizens is planned for around July 10. The interconnector with Greece, unlike the existing one with Bulgaria, will be bi-directional and is expected to be functional by the end of 2026 or early 2027, connecting to the national gas pipeline. A planned interconnector with Serbia will further solidify North Macedonia’s role as a transit country.

The gas interconnector with Greece has a capacity of approximately 3 billion cubic meters, which, combined with gas from the east, will reach 4 to 4.5 billion cubic meters. This capacity significantly exceeds the country’s consumption of half a billion cubic meters, allowing for the transit of 4 billion cubic meters.

Mickoski also highlighted the commencement of a wind farm project in Shtip, Karbinci, and Radovish, which is expected to produce 1 terawatt hour of electricity annually, representing about 20% of AD ESM’s planned production. He anticipates that North Macedonia will achieve energy independence this year, producing as much electricity as it consumes.

Furthermore, North Macedonia is securing approximately one million tons of coal from Kosovo, which will be paid for with electricity. This arrangement replaces previous tender processes involving high prices and cash payments.