BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan.18
By Leman Zeynalova – Trend:
A DESFA gas grid operator market test for a gas pipeline project to link the Greek and North Macedonian systems is set to begin following the launch, by the Regulatory Authority for Energy (RAE), of a related public consultation procedure, ending February 7, the authority has announced, Trend reports.
The project’s market test will follow and is expected to be launched by March, the latest.
Towards the end of 2021, DESFA signed a 25 million-euro loan agreement with the European Investment Bank for the project’s Greek segment. This loan had been approved by the EIB more than a year earlier, in August, 2020.
The project concerns the construction of a 68 km long gas interconnector section in North Macedonia, starting from the border close to Gevgelija and ending near the town of Negotino. It has been classified as a project of mutual interest by the Energy Community, and is one of the flagship investments outlined in the Economic and Investment Plan that will future-proof the region’s energy supply. The project also benefits from EU-funded technical assistance aiming to develop the core transport and energy networks in the Western Balkans.
---
Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn