Works for the construction of a 92-kilometer major gas pipeline linking Negotino and Bitola via Kavadarci and Prilep are under way. An estimated €37 million will be invested in the construction.
The gas pipeline is expected to be put into function in mid-2019 at the latest. By the end of 2017, Kavadarci will become the first consumer of natural gas with Prilep following suit in September or October 2018.
In parallel, nearly 60% of the Stip-Negotino gas pipeline is finished and is slated for inauguration by year's end. A gas pipeline from the Kumanovo village of Klecovce to Stip is already completed. Construction works are underway for a gas pipeline section Skopje-Tetovo-Gostivar.
The first stage of the construction of a primary gas pipeline is nearing completion. It is planned to encompass close to 70% of gas consumers.
Construction works are carried out according to the planned dynamic with no delays being detected so far, according to Krste Miladinov, head of the Macedonian Energy Resources (MER).
VMRO-DPMNE leader Nikola Gruevski said the 'strategic' project was important for the future of both the country and the companies and would play a key role in protecting the environment.
The party leader was part of a delegation, alongside MER director Miladinov, Deputy PM Vladimir Pesevski and Transport Minister Vlado Misajlovski, which surveyed the construction of the Negotino-Bitola gas pipeline section.
Activities for the construction of a secondary gas pipeline are being conducted in parallel with the construction of the primary gas pipeline.
The gas main will convey gas to large companies and industrial zones.
A tender for the construction of a secondary gas pipeline, set to distribute gas to households and small companies, has been issued. The best bidder is planned to be selected in the coming months.
Gasification is expected not only to protect the environment, but also to contribute to decreasing the price of energy sources, boost the companies' competitiveness and create new jobs, it was noted.
