EVN Macedonia commissions Skopje’s first substation in 40 years

EVN Macedonia has put into operation a new substation in Skopje, in a EUR 22 million investment. This is the first such asset built in the city center in over 40 years, according to the company.

The substation Centralna is unique for its compact architecture and advanced technological equipment, as it was built on an area ten times smaller than for standard 120 MW facilities, EVN added.

It includes a 110 kV GIS installation (gas-insulated switchgear) – the latest technology in this segment.

“The facility is equipped with state‑of‑the‑art systems for remote control, cable monitoring, fire protection, and advanced electronic control and protection devices. For the first time in Macedonia, 110 kV cables are being used to power such a facility,” North Macedonia’s distribution system operator (DSO) explained.

Maier: An important step toward modernizing and stabilizing the grid

EVN Macedonia CEO Wolfgang Maier pointed out that this investment represents an important step toward modernizing and stabilizing the electricity grid in the city’s urban core.

It is the first energy infrastructure asset of its kind built in Skopje and even in the broader region, he underscored.

According to the Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Hristijan Mickoski, the investment, which improves system stability and strengthens the country’s energy outlook, will significantly increase the capacity to accept new investments.

Minister of Energy, Mining, and Mineral Resources Sanja Božinovska noted that with the rapid development of Skopje, the need for a stable and modern energy network is also growing.

Božinovska: Existing substations are outdated and have long exceeded their capacity

“Existing substations are outdated and have long exceeded their capacity, so Centralna isn’t just a new facility, but a key solution that provides security to citizens and conditions for further urban development,” she said.

EVN stressed that more than 30 companies participated in the implementation of the project, including leading global manufacturers of energy equipment such as GE, Siemens, Končar, Astor, Dalekovod Zagreb, Adra, Benning PSAM, BMG, and others.

This year, EVN Macedonia celebrates 20 years on the Macedonian energy market. The substation represents the crown of all investments over the past two decades, which together amount to more than EUR 800 million, the company added.