North Macedonia’s electricity transmission system operator, MEPSO, has launched reconstruction works on the Štip-Ovče Pole transmission line, in a EUR 1.41 million investment supported by a loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The modernization of the 17.88-kilometer, 110 kV transmission line is targeted for completion in October this year.

The Štip-Ovče Pole project is part of a EUR 15 million investment cycle for the revitalization of North Macedonia’s electricity transmission network, which includes the reconstruction and construction of six 110 kV transmission lines, totaling 130 kilometers, according to the government’s website.

The official start of works was attended by Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, Minister of Transport and Communications Blagoj Bochvarski, MEPSO Director General Kushtrim Ramadani, and EBRD representative Andi Aranitasi.

Wind power plant Bogoslovec will be connected to the Štip-Ovče Pole transmission line

In the future, the 36 MW Bogoslovec wind power plant will be connected to Štip-Ovče Pole transmission line, Ramadani said, adding that the investment supports the government’s strategic commitment to a transition of electricity production from coal to renewable energy sources.

Ramadani also said the reconstruction of the transmission line will significantly increase the reliability and capacity of the transmission network in the eastern part of the country, minimize maintenance costs, and reduce network losses.

Aranitasi, for his part, welcomed the government’s commitment to implementing the green agenda in the country’s energy strategy including a gradual shutdown of thermal power plants in Oslomej and Bitola and coal phase-out.