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North Macedonia energizes new Skopje high-voltage substation as grid upgrade accelerates
With Skopje’s electricity needs growing alongside urban expansion, North Macedonia has moved to reduce bottlenecks in its capital’s power system by commissioning a new high-voltage substation. The newly brought-into-service facility is aimed at improving reliability while giving the grid room to accommodate future investment and development.
The operational unit is designed to strengthen network stability, a priority as rapid city growth increases pressure on existing and aging energy infrastructure. According to project officials, the upgrade should enhance supply dependability, improve resilience during disruptions, and create additional capacity for upcoming industrial and commercial activity.
A compact build with modern switching technology
The TS Centralna substation uses a compact design intended to deliver more capability without occupying the space typically required for conventional substations. Its footprint is described as roughly ten times smaller than that of traditional installations.
Technically, the facility is rated at 120 MW and incorporates a 110 kV gas-insulated switchgear system, positioned by the project information as one of the most advanced solutions used in this part of the power sector.
Digital controls and new connection approach
beyond core equipment, the substation includes digital and safety systems such as remote control capabilities, cable monitoring, fire protection equipment, and modern protection and control devices. It also represents a first-of-its-kind implementation in North Macedonia for this class of facility: officials say it uses 110 kV cable connections to supply power to the site.
Sourcing scale behind delivery
The project involved participation from more than 30 companies during delivery. Suppliers named include major international and regional players such as GE, Siemens, Končar, Astor, and Dalekovod Zagreb.
EVN Macedonia highlights long-term infrastructure investment
The substation was developed by EVN Macedonia, which said commissioning TS Centralna reflects its ongoing work to upgrade the electricity network and support a more secure and efficient energy supply for consumers. The start-up also coincides with EVN Macedonia’s 20th anniversary; over two decades on North Macedonia’s energy market, EVN Macedonia reports investing more than 800 million euros into national energy infrastructure. The new Skopje installation is presented as one of the key outcomes of that longer-term spending strategy.
