A new Albania - North Macedonia 400 kV interconnection will be a part of an East-West electricity transmission corridor between Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, and Italy. The Albanian power generation system is based mainly on hydropower, while the North Macedonian is dominantly relying on coal (85%); therefore, an interconnection between the two systems will help balance the power markets and reduce the hydrology risk in Albania.
The investment will contribute to the improvement of the reliability of the network and security of supply, the creation of trading opportunities, reserve capacity sharing, emergency support, and an upgrade of the transmission system in view of new constructions of generation units and links of the regional market.
The foreseen transmission line will run for 95 km from Bitola in North Macedonia to the border between the two countries, and for 56 km from the border to Elbasan in Albania. In addition to the line and accompanying 390 pylons, the investment includes a substation extension in Bitola and two new connections in Elbasan and Ohrid, which are all crucial for the development of the transmission systems and regional interconnections.
Technical assistance, provided through WBIF, supported the preparation of a Feasibility Study and Environmental Social Impact Assessment to develop a 400kV connection between Elbasan in Albania and Bitola in North Macedonia. The objective of the study was to prepare a system analysis and detailed technical assessment that includes budgeting and cost-benefit assessments, an evaluation of risks and sensitivities, a project implementation and procurement plan, and an environmental and social impact assessment.
