Macedonia, a ceremonial signing of the Grant agreement between MEPSO and the French Development Agency (AFD) was held today, marking the continuity and deepening of technical cooperation aimed at supporting the modernization of the national energy transmission network.
The event was attended by H.E. Ms. Sanja Bozhinovska, minister of energy, mining and mineral resources; H.E. Mr. Christophe Le Rigoleur, ambassador of France to the Republic of North Macedonia; Mr. Burim Ljatifi, General director of MEPSO; Ms. Veronika Milevski, Executive director of RTE International; Mr. François Vince, deputy director of AFD’s Office for the Western Balkans, as well as guests from the energy sector.
This grant, worth €600,000, provides targeted technical assistance for upgrading, modernizing and digitalization of the transmission network – essential steps to ensure stable electricity supply, reduce technical losses, increase system efficiency and prepare MEPSO for the growing share of renewable sources and regional market integration.
The project focuses on four key areas:
- Preparation of system adequacy studies using the ANTARES market simulator
- Dimensioning of system reserves
- Establishing a methodology for calculating transmission losses and preparing a feasibility study
- Preparation of a conceptual design for substation digitalization
Within the project, experts from RTE International – a subsidiary of the French transmission system operator RTE – have already conducted training for MEPSO engineers on using the ANTARES simulator, enhancing their technical and analytical capacities for more efficient system management in an increasingly dynamic energy market.
In her address, minister Sanja Bozhinovska emphasized the importance of this partnership for building a modern and resilient energy system:
"Today we confirm the partnership that strengthens our path toward a modern, secure and accessible energy system. Technical assistance from the French Development Agency will enable MEPSO to accelerate modernization and digitalization of the grid, improve planning and operations and to more effectively manage variability arising from greater renewable participation and market dynamics. This support is significant for citizens and businesses. A more advanced and smarter grid means fewer outages, better use of clean energy, stronger regional connections and greater system resilience—whether facing weather conditions, demand fluctuations, or market instability."
MEPSO’s general director, Mr. Burim Ljatifi, highlighted the company’s dedicated commitment to technical excellence and disciplined realization:
"By signing this grant agreement, we strengthen our strategic partnerships and build the technical capacity needed for a modern transmission network. The pilot project for digitalization, focused on developing a fully digital substation with advanced protection, management and monitoring systems, represents a concrete step toward transforming MEPSO into a smarter, more efficient and future-oriented transmission system operator."
Ms. Veronika Milevski, executive director of RTE International, stated:
"This project represents a significant step forward for North Macedonia’s energy sector—uniting national ambition, regional cooperation and European partnership. In cooperation with MEPSO and the French Development Agency (AFD), we contribute to strengthening energy security, competitiveness and the country’s readiness for energy transition. The agreement combines advanced power system modeling, innovative reserve forecasting using artificial intelligence and a pilot project for digitalization of a 110 kV substation—a decisive step toward more resilient, transparent and competitive electricity network".
The French ambassador, H.E. Mr. Christophe Le Rigoleur, stressed that this agreement represents another step forward in deepening the partnership between France and North Macedonia. He noted that this cooperation reflects the shared commitment of both countries to sustainable growth, innovation and energy resilience. The ambassador added that France, through AFD and RTE International, proudly supports North Macedonia in its efforts to strengthen energy stability and create a greener and more digitalized future.
Mr. François Vince, deputy-director of AFD’s Office for the Western Balkans, underlined that this new agreement illustrates AFD’s continued commitment to modernizing North Macedonia’s transmission network. He added that this cooperation is part of AFD’s stronger pledge to support Macedonian partners and took the opportunity to announce the opening of AFD’s local office in Skopje, to be represented by Ms. Mélanie Malinvaud.
The project will continue with new capacity-building and technical support activities, enabling the application of advanced technologies and analytical models for managing North Macedonia’s electricity transmission system.
About AFD: The AFD Group contributes to implementing France’s sustainable development and international solidarity policies. It includes Agence Française de Développement (AFD), which finances the public sector, NGOs, research and training; its subsidiary Proparco, focused on the private sector; and Expertise France, the technical cooperation agency.
The AFD Group finances, supports and accelerates necessary transitions toward a fairer and more resilient world. Active in the Western Balkans region since 2019, AFD has a mandate to help countries in the region align with EU standards and implement the Paris Climate Agreement, aiming for inclusive and low-carbon economic growth. Since then, AFD has mobilized over €1.5 billion in the Western Balkans through 39 active projects.
