North Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski announced plans for a regional energy initiative aimed at coordinating investment across Western Balkan countries to boost infrastructure development and create jobs.
Speaking at a press conference, Mickoski said around 17 projects are at various stages of development, which could generate up to 5,000 new jobs. “If we approach this individually, I fear investors will not recognize our potential,” he said.
He highlighted that the global investment market over the next decade offers significant opportunities, and even a small share could have transformative effects on the region. “Capturing just 0.01% of that amount could translate to roughly $4 trillion over the next ten years, or around $400 billion annually if the region coordinates effectively,” Mickoski said.
Among the projects cited are the Alkazar wind farm spanning the municipalities of Shtip, Radovish, and Karbinci, valued at about $500 million, with construction set to begin in April. Other projects include the Chebren and Galishte hydropower plants, the Boshkov Most hydropower project, gas-fired power plants in partnership with the Turkish holding Aksa, gas interconnectors with Greece and Serbia, and a 400-kilovolt transmission line linking Bitola and Elbasan to strengthen the regional high-voltage network.
Mickoski emphasized the link between energy infrastructure and technology development. “Artificial intelligence cannot operate without data centers, and data centers cannot function without electricity,” he said.
The prime minister noted that detailed discussions on the initiative will take place at the upcoming Western Balkans summit in Podgorica, where projects will be presented to potential investors. “I met several companies at the World Business Forum in Davos that showed strong interest in such projects,” he said.
Mickoski also addressed domestic energy production, citing that the state-owned electricity company ESM now generates daily profits through electricity sales on the market, in contrast to past practices involving costly fuel imports.
The initiative reflects North Macedonia’s broader strategy to attract foreign investment, strengthen regional energy integration, and advance sustainable economic growth.