December 20 (SeeNews) - Albania launched construction of a 400 kV power line connecting the central city of Elbasan to Bitola in southwestern North Macedonia, the first power link between the two countries, the Albanian energy ministry said.
“The power line increases energy security and serves the wider regional integration of both countries in the Balkan electricity market and beyond,” energy minister Belinda Balluku said, as seen in a video on social media.
In Albania, the project cost is seen at 70 million euro ($76.5 million), of which 14 million euro are being granted by the European Union, according to the EU’s regional arm, the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF). The German government is providing a loan of 50.5 million euro for the project, the country’s ambassador to Albania, Karl Bergner, said.
In North Macedonia, the construction of the power line is estimated to cost 50 million euro, according to WBIF.
North Macedonia kicked off construction of its part of the interconnection in February 2022.
North Macedonia generates most of its electricity from coal, while Albania relies on hydro power plants for the greater part of its output.
The project is part of a larger European Commission initiative to establish an East-West electricity transmission corridor between Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro and Italy. The section between Bulgaria and North Macedonia has been completed, and a 400 KV connection between Albania and Montenegro and an undersea power line between Montenegro and Italy are already operational.
($=0.914 euro)