In Skopje today, the heads of the electricity transmission system operators of North Macedonia and Kosovo, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Burim Latifi from AD MEPSO and Shaban Neziri from KOSTT, signed a memorandum of cooperation to strengthen cross-border collaboration and develop the electricity transmission network.
The memorandum places particular emphasis on the strategic project for the construction of a new 400 kV interconnection transmission line from Tetovo to Prizren, which aligns with the EU’s energy transition goals by 2050 and is nominated as a candidate for increasing transmission capacities through the European ENTSO-E planning platform.
Currently, North Macedonia and Kosovo have only one interconnection, but according to ENTSO-E analyses, the Southeast Europe region requires a significant increase in transmission capacities, at least doubling them, and in some cases even more.
The project also includes additional investments in the domestic transmission network, such as the construction of a new 400/110 kV transformer station in Tetovo and new 400 kV transmission lines from Tetovo to Ohrid and Skopje.
“The signing of the Memorandum is a significant step in strengthening our regional cooperation and the development of the electricity transmission network. The 400 kV Tetovo-Prizren transmission line project will not only increase the system’s capacity and reliability but also enable greater electricity exchange, encouraging new investments in renewable energy sources (RES),” said Latifi.
Regarding the benefits, both Latifi and Neziri agreed that the project will create a regional transmission infrastructure with higher capacity, increased cross-border electricity exchange, strengthening of the East-West energy corridor, improved system reliability and flexibility, and a stimulus for new investments in RES for both countries and the region.
“This memorandum confirms the cooperation between Kosovo and North Macedonia and our joint commitment to creating a modern and reliable energy infrastructure. With this project, we are enhancing energy connectivity in the region and contributing to achieving the energy goals of the Western Balkans,” added Neziri.
Currently, the project is in the planning and technical preparation phase, with the start of construction depending on securing financial resources and the necessary coordination with all relevant stakeholders.