The supply of natural gas to households in North Macedonia is moving closer to reality as the country’s long-awaited gas interconnector with Greece advances towards completion, opening the way for a more diversified energy system and the gradual expansion of the domestic gas distribution network.

The project, which is expected to be completed next year, is considered one of North Macedonia’s most important energy infrastructure investments, as it will provide the country with a new natural gas entry point, reduce dependence on a single supply route and strengthen links with regional and European gas markets.

“The construction of the interconnector with Greece is a key prerequisite for the further gasification of the country. By ensuring a secure and diversified supply of natural gas, conditions are created for the gradual expansion of the distribution network and the connection of an increasing number of households and companies,” the Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources told IntelliNews in a written statement.

The ministry said the project will enable the country to move forward with gasification in phases, depending on the development of local distribution infrastructure.

“The process will take place in phases, in accordance with the development of the local distribution infrastructure. The new Energy Law, harmonised with European legislation, allows the construction and management of the gas distribution network to be carried out by private investors, while the state remains the owner of the transmission network,” the ministry said.

“In this regard, the ministry is already conducting intensive discussions with serious investors who show interest in developing the gas distribution network in Macedonia.”

The government is also seeking to encourage households to connect to the future gas network by providing financial support. On July 7, the energy ministry launched a public call for subsidies covering part of the costs for connecting households to natural gas distribution systems or purchasing gas boilers in 2026.

The state will cover up to 70% of eligible costs, with a maximum support amount of MKD30,000 (€490) per household.

The measure includes assistance for building a household connection to the gas distribution system or purchasing a gas boiler. A total of MKD3mn has been allocated, with funds distributed on a first come, first served basis until they are exhausted. Applications are open until the end of October.

“The goal is, with the realization of these investments and activities undertaken by the ministry, to significantly accelerate the gasification process in the coming years,” the ministry told IntelliNews.

Strategic project for energy security

According to the ministry, the Greece-North Macedonia gas interconnector is designed to provide an initial capacity of 1.5bn normal cubic metres (NM3) of natural gas annually, with the possibility of increasing capacity to 2.8bn NM3 depending on future market demand.

The ministry stressed that the importance of the project goes beyond additional infrastructure capacity.

“Its greatest significance is not only in the additional capacity, but in the diversification of supply sources. Instead of depending on a single route, North Macedonia will gain access to multiple sources of natural gas. This means greater security of supply, greater competition in the market and real prerequisites for more favorable prices for citizens and the economy,” the ministry said.

“With this project, Macedonia finally overcomes its long-standing infrastructure isolation and becomes part of the modern regional gas network.”

Once operational, the pipeline will connect North Macedonia with Greece’s gas transmission system, providing access to alternative supply routes, including gas from the Southern Gas Corridor and global liquefied natural gas (LNG) markets through Greece’s infrastructure.

The interconnector is also designed to be compatible with future energy developments. The pipeline is hydrogen-ready, allowing it to potentially transport hydrogen or hydrogen blends as European energy markets move towards decarbonisation.

In addition, the project is expected to strengthen regional connectivity as North Macedonia plans further links with neighbouring countries, including a future connection with Serbia, further integrating the country into the regional gas network.

Construction moves into intensive phase

The construction of the interconnector has entered a significantly more intensive phase and remains on schedule for completion next year.

Energy Minister Sanja Božinovska inspected the construction works on July 10 together with representatives from the ministry, state gas transmission operator NOMAGAS and Greek gas transmission operator DESFA.

According to the ministry, around 95% of land expropriation has been completed, while approximately 85% of the pipeline route has been cleared. Production of all pipes required for the project has been completed, with 34 kilometres of pipes delivered and 21 kilometres already positioned along the route.

Construction works have also progressed, with 13.7 kilometres of pipeline welded through more than 800 successful welds, while more than 6.3 kilometres have already been installed underground.

Six of the seven planned underpasses have been completed, while around 65% of the required equipment and block stations has been secured.

For North Macedonia, the interconnector is a key step towards ending decades of reliance on limited gas infrastructure, expanding access to cleaner energy sources and positioning the country as a more connected participant in the regional energy market.