Signed Agreement on Construction of Gas Interconnector with Greece

« Nomagas AD Skopje » today signed an agreement with the Kumanovo firm « Rapid Bild DOO » for the construction of the gas interconnector with Greece, on the move from Gevgelija to Negotino in length of 68 kilometers, which envisions it to be fully ready within 22 months and to be operational in 2027.

The construction of the interconnector is funded by the Government, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), costing 59.9m euros or 12 million less than the initial price of the annulled tender.

– With the signing of the contract for the construction of the Macedonian part of the gas interconnector we mark the beginning of the largest energy investment in the past 10 years. It is an expression of our commitment to energy security, diversification of supply and protection of the interests of citizens and the economy. It is 68km of modern infrastructure that will connect us with Greece, but it is much more important that it will connect our country to European energy markets and values. With this interconnector we open the door for new opportunities for citizens, industry and local governments – said Energy, Mining and Mineral Raw Malls Sanja Bozinovska before signing the agreement in the ministry’s premises.

He emphasized that today’s act of signing proves that when there is political will, regional confidence and professional dedication, the results are tangible and realistic.

– The project is the fruit of close cooperation with our partners from the European Commission, EIB and EBRD. With their support through grants, technical assistance and favorable loans we have provided financial construction for the realization of this project. This will finally have an alternative natural gas entry, we will have greater security, more sources and less dependence on a single supplier based on real energy independence – said Bozinovska, adding that natural gas would contribute to reducing pollution and is a step towards a healthier and better quality environment.

Bjorn Gabriel of the EIB said the construction of the interconnector would contribute to the country’s integration into the European energy market.

– The EIB is financing both the Greek and Macedonian part of the gas interconnector. We finance 28.9 million euros for the Macedonian part. The 2.5m -euro grants should be added to the project technical preparation and EUR 9.9 million from the EU. I am glad that today the contract with a Macedonian contractor is signing that Macedonian companies can be competitive in international projects – said Gabriel.

EBRD representative Fatih Turkmenoglu pointed out that it is an important project for energy infrastructure in the country and added that he is happy to be part of it. « We remain committed to helping future such projects, » Turkmenoglu said.

According to the CEO of Nomagas AD Muhammad Elmazi, the signing of the agreement formalizes the construction of one of the most important projects for the energy future and stability for both our country and the region.

« It is particularly important that in just a few months we have been able to complete all the procedures for the realization of the project, » Elmazi said, adding that the fact that the contract is signed with a domestic company points to the capacity and offer of the domestic market.

Toni Karanfilovski from Rapid Bild DOO said it was not easy to get to the time of signing the contract, as there was very strong competition from abroad.

– We managed to get the job because we offered the lowest price. We can promise that we will work hard, we will work dedicated and maximally focus on finishing quality and timely within the time limit for construction. We can promise that today, and we start working on the field tomorrow, although we have already started developing the subject and collecting documentation – said Karanfilovski.

In response to a journalist question he pointed out that the guarantee that they will implement the project in a timely manner are already completed and four highway pipelines, one of which in Bulgaria.

– We are equipped, we are ready and we have everything that is needed to perform in our company and we know our job. The risk for untimely completion of the project can only be the untimely expropriation of some part of the route – emphasized Karanfilovski.