Government to finance Chebren and Galishte hydropower project
After decades of failed tenders, the Government says state financing is imminent; €46m is earmarked to modernise six hydro plants.
The Government says it is preparing to finance and build the long-stalled Chebren and Galishte hydropower project after more than three decades of failed tenders and attempts under public‑private partnership models.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski told reporters there are interested financial institutions willing to invest in the project and that, "if everything goes as planned, a cornerstone could be laid next year." He added that the benefits for the state from completing the project would be multiple and that construction would extend beyond the tenure of a single government.
Modernisation programme alongside the mega-project
In parallel with the renewed push for Chebren and Galishte, the Government announced a plan to spend 46 million euros over the coming years to modernise six large hydropower plants across three systems: Mavrovo, Crn Drim and Tikvesh.
The modernisation funding is earmarked for replacement of ageing equipment to reduce outages, extend the operational life of the facilities and improve operational safety.
The idea for Chebren originated in 1964. After numerous failed tenders and decades of postponement, authorities now say they are close to a decision on state-led financing and execution — but the long history of setbacks leaves open whether the latest timetable will be met.
Officials have not published a detailed financing package or a construction timetable beyond the statement about a potential cornerstone ceremony next year, and cautioned that large infrastructure projects of this scale typically span several governments.
Photo: press material from the event
