Bulgaria and former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Day-ahead market (DAM) coupling which foresees the market coupling to be concluded by Q2 2019.

Independent Bulgarian Energy Exchange (IBEX) EAD signed a MoU on DAM coupling with the Electricity Transmission System Operator (TSO) of Macedonia (MEPSO), Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) of Macedonia and the Electricity System Operator (ESO) EAD of Bulgaria.

The Memorandum is expected to be signed also by the Bulgarian Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (KEVR).

“Тhe Bulgarian and the Macedonian side agreed to arrange a project kick-off meeting within 30 days from the date of the Memorandum signature. At the meeting, the main project stages, project implementation schedule, as well as the structure and the composition of the working groups dedicated to the project, will be defined. The preliminary planning foresees the market coupling to be accomplished by Q2 2019”, IBEX said in a statement.

The process of market coupling between the two countries is facilitated under the Western Balkan 6 (WB6) electricity market connectivity programme, implemented by the Energy Community Secretariat and financed by the European Commission.

In January Energy Community launched a technical assistance project to support DAM establishment in Macedonia.