Bozhinovska and Petrova discuss deeper energy cooperation and new interconnections in Belgrade
Ministers from North Macedonia and Bulgaria discussed interconnectors, storage systems and joint approaches to international funders at the Belgrade summit.
North Macedonia's Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources, Sanja Bozhinovska, held a bilateral meeting with her Bulgarian counterpart, Iva Petrova, on the sidelines of the Second ministerial summit of North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Greece and Serbia in Belgrade to discuss stepped-up energy cooperation between the two countries.
The ministers focused on concrete projects and closer links between companies and institutions in both countries. They singled out improved cooperation between the Electricity Transmission System Operator (MEPSO), the natural gas transmission company NOMAGAS and the National Operator of the Electricity Market (MEMO) and their respective Bulgarian partners as priorities for exchange of know‑how and joint activities.
Interconnections, battery storage and market integration
Bozhinovska and Petrova discussed the East–West initiative, including plans for a new additional interconnection between the North Macedonian and Bulgarian transmission systems, as well as potential upgrades of the existing interconnection with Greece aimed at strengthening regional electricity flows and security of supply.
Battery storage systems were raised as a priority area. Bozhinovska requested Bulgaria's experience regarding technical solutions, regulatory frameworks, financing and implementation of such projects; Petrova offered to share Bulgaria's expertise, specialists and technical know‑how with North Macedonian institutions and companies.
"Within the meeting the topic of energy poverty was also covered, with an exchange of experiences on measures and policies that can contribute to providing more affordable and secure energy for citizens. The ministers exchanged views on future energy plans and projects of the two countries and their linkage to regional priorities. The possibility of a joint approach to international financial institutions and donors to secure funds for strategic and regionally significant energy projects was also considered," the Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources said.
The ministers also spoke about continuing the existing cooperation to better integrate electricity markets and enhance cross‑border electricity exchange, with an eye to presenting joint project proposals to international funders.
Photo: MIA
