Major Infrastructure Deal Signed
A consortium spearheaded by Croatia's Dalekovod has officially secured a significant contract valued at 19.7 million euros with MEPSO, North Macedonia's state-owned electricity transmission company. The agreement, signed on Thursday, December 11, 2025, pertains to the delivery and construction of a crucial 400 kV transmission line in North Macedonia.
The consortium includes Dalekovod Jsc as the lead, alongside Bosnian electrical engineering firm ELNOS BL Llc Banja Luka and Serbian construction company Kodar Energomontaža Llc.
Project Scope and Regional Impact
The newly contracted transmission line will span from the 400/110 kV Bitola 2 substation, pass through the 400/110 kV Ohrid substation, and extend to the border between North Macedonia and Albania. This project is deemed a vital infrastructure undertaking, designed to bolster the long-term stability of the power system across the broader region.
The initiative is a critical component of establishing an East-West electricity transmission corridor, linking Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Albania, and ultimately Italy. It aims to complete the energy interconnection with all of North Macedonia's neighbors, addressing a long-standing need for enhanced regional energy integration.
Background and Funding
The construction of this 400 kV interconnection has been a long-anticipated project for North Macedonia. MEPSO had previously terminated a contract with another company, Energoinvest, for the same project due to the contractor's failure to meet agreed obligations. A new international tender for the project was subsequently issued in April 2025.
The overall project is financed through a combination of a loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and grants from the European Union. The planned completion date for the transmission line is set for mid-2028.
Furthermore, the new Ohrid substation, which is part of this extensive energy network upgrade, is currently under construction by Končar Inc., another Croatian company that holds a majority stake in Dalekovod since 2022.
5 Comments
Africa
Is this truly about energy, or just extending Western influence in the Balkans?
Bermudez
Remember the last failed contract? This one feels like deja vu.
Coccinella
Upgrading the 400 kV line is crucial for stability, but this deal also highlights the continued influence of larger regional players and international bodies, leaving questions about the extent of true energy independence for smaller nations amidst global power plays.
Muchacho
EU and EBRD backing is a strong vote of confidence.
Habibi
While the article promotes 'stability', it feels like we're just shifting dependence from one power to another.