Mickoski: Two gas interconnectors will dramatically raise Macedonia’s geostrategic importance
Mickoski announced one interconnector should be operational by the end of the first half of next year and the other by the end of 2028; ESM in talks with World Bank.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said the construction of two gas pipeline interconnectors — one with North Macedonia's southern neighbor and one with its northern neighbor — will sharply raise the country's geostrategic importance.
Timetables and economic effects
Speaking after the opening of a new elementary school in Čento, Skopje, Mickoski gave a timeline for the two projects and outlined their expected economic impact. "I expect one to be synchronized and put into operation by the end of the first half of next year, and the other to be fully synchronized by the end of 2028," he said.
According to Mickoski, the interconnectors will create new opportunities for investors who want to build electricity production capacity that runs on gas. He added the pipelines would also make it possible for coal-fired thermal power plants to convert to gas during reconstruction and modernization, a change that would help preserve jobs while allowing the facilities to continue generating power.
Mickoski said the process is underway and that ESM JSC is in talks with the World Bank; he said he expects positive news on that project soon.
On the subject of funding for the high-speed rail line, the prime minister said the government has already decided that Macedonian Railways – Transport and Infrastructure must publish an international call to find a financer.
"We have already adopted a government decision and instructed 'Macedonian Railways – Transport and Infrastructure' to issue an international call that will seek a financier," Mickoski said, adding that he expects the call to be published this month.
Photo: press material from the event
