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400 kV Albania-North Macedonia/Karakac interconnection: The country in a new energy phase

2026-04-02 16:24:00, Politikë CNA

400 kV Albania-North Macedonia/Karakac interconnection: The country in a new

The Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Enea Karakaçi, declared that Albania has entered a new phase of energy development, as he participated in the ceremony for the launch of works in North Macedonia for the construction of the 400 kV Albania-North Macedonia interconnection line.

During his speech, Karakaçi said that the country is transforming its energy production model, moving from a system based mainly on hydropower to a diversified system oriented towards renewable sources. He underlined that the increase in capacities and diversification of sources are positioning Albania as an important actor in the region.

According to the minister, the 400 kV Elbasan-Bitola line project constitutes one of the most strategic investments in energy infrastructure, strengthening cross-border interconnections and increasing the security of energy supply for both countries. He announced that works on the Albanian territory have reached about 80%, while the start of works in North Macedonia marks an important step towards the completion of the project.

Karakaçi described this line as part of a broader East-West energy corridor, connecting several countries in the region and further European markets, contributing to the integration of markets and increasing energy sustainability.

Minister's speech

Albania has already entered a new phase of energy development, where increasing energy security, through the diversification of energy production sources, based on a well-studied strategy, is yielding important results. From a system traditionally based on hydropower, today we are transforming into a modern, diversified system oriented towards renewable sources. With over 2.5 GW of existing hydropower capacities and with new solar and wind energy projects expected to exceed 3 GW in the next decade, our country is becoming an important actor on the energy map of the region. But of course this transformation cannot be achieved without a developed transmission network and strong cross-border interconnections. This is precisely where the strategic importance of the interconnection projects that we are implementing and planning lies. The 400 kV Elbasan-Bitola line project is one of the most important links of the East-West Energy Corridor, an important part of Corridor VIII. It closes a historical gap in the regional network and creates a direct connection between our energy systems, significantly increasing the security of supply for both sides and serving as an instrument that guarantees the commitments of both countries for the regional and European integration of our markets, in addition to political integration into the European Union. This line is not just a bilateral project. It is part of a broader vision, the VIII Energy Corridor, connecting Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Albania and further Italy. Through this corridor, we are building a new energy bridge between the East and West of Europe. By valuing this project to the maximum, we have invested intensively in the part of the line that passes through Albania and with pride, but not to compete, because it would not be the place, I can say that we have reached 80% of the works for the construction of the line in the Albanian territory. Meanwhile, in parallel with this project, Albania is also advancing in other strategic initiatives. The new 400 kV line with Greece, currently in the study phase and supported by the European Union, will increase cross-border capacities and will support the integration of renewable sources on a large scale. Another project of exceptional strategic importance is the Albania-Italy underwater interconnection, which aims to create a direct outlet to one of the largest markets of the European Union countries. This project will be key to avoiding the loss of energy produced from renewable sources and to maximizing its economic value. Through these investments, Albania is not just building transmission lines, we are building a more flexible, safer, more integrated and fully compliant energy system with European standards. At the same time,We are strengthening our role as a transit country for the region's green energy. The new energy flows that will pass through our territory will connect production in the Eastern Balkans with the markets of Western Europe, thus creating a new development opportunity for the entire region.