Macedonia has completed its section of а 400-kV electricity transmission line which will connect its power grid with Bulgaria's via Stip (West-central Macedonia) and a substation near the town of Chervena Mogila in Western Bulgaria. Macedonia is now waiting for the Bulgarian section to be completed, said the Macedonian Electricity Transmission System Operator.

The project, financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) with 29.5 million euro, began in June 2006. The Macedonian section is 71 km long, and the Bulgarian
one should be around 80 km long when complete.

The construction of the power lines was awarded to Germany's SAG, chosen in accordance with the rules and requirements of the EBRD.

The facility, ensuring parallel operation of the national power grids, is being constructed under an agreement on cooperation in the energy sector between Bulgaria and Macedonia.

The implementation of the project is a new step in the strategy of the Balkan countries' electricity companies in the Balkans, aiming interconnection of their power grids and establishment of a regional energy market.