North Macedonia, Strengthening the Transmission Network in the Southeast Region of North Macedonia: Feasibility Study, ESIA, Preliminary Design, Tender Dossier

In order to meet the goals of the European Union regarding the use of renewable energy sources (RES), North Macedonia makes efforts to maximise the integration of RES into the national power system. Due to the favourable climate (wind, solar and hydro) conditions, the investments are most cost-effective in the south-eastern region of North Macedonia, so the RES are (will be) located mostly there.

Transmission grid in the southeast region (110 kV line Dubrovo – Valandovo – Strumica 2 – Strumica 1) is approaching the end of the lifecycle and is a candidate for reconstruction due to the aging process. In addition, there are some contingency cases with a higher risk of security of supply (breach of N-1 criteria).

To support the efforts of North Macedonia in strengthening the transmission network in the southeast region of the country and implementing the smart grid concepts, WBIF allocated a TA grant for the preparation of technical documentation under two components:

Component 1:

• Feasibility Study (FS) and ESIA for optimal configuration of the transmission grid in the southeast region;
• Smart grid - Study on the implementation of Dynamic Line Rating;
• Smart grid - Study on the implementation of a platform for the management of transmission grid assets.

Component 2: Detailed Design and Tender Documents for the reconstruction of the existing 110kV line (Dubrovo - Valandovo - Strumica 2 - Strumica 1).