North Macedonia: public-private partnership to manage and distribute gas
The government of the Republic of North Macedonia has initiated a procedure for the funding, design, construction and management of a natural gas distribution system for the entire territory of the country, using the public-private partnership instrument (PPP). The PPP contract will specifically involve: the construction of both the primary and secondary distribution network, the management and procedures to connect end users (public institutions, residential and commercial users) to the tertiary network, including the measurement and regulation equipment; the distribution of natural gas, the maintenance and development of the distribution system; and the option to invest in the upgrade/acquisition of plants to produce thermal energy.
The total value of the investment is estimated at between 200 and 300 million euros, and the private partner will be chosen through a “competitive dialogue” procedure. The tender is expected to be announced between May and June 2019, and the “competitive dialogue” should entail 3 stages: a first pre-qualification stage in accordance with new procurement laws; a second stage of dialogue with the pre-qualified companies; a final stage in which the bids are submitted and the licensee is chosen on the basis of technical and economic criteria.
From 15 to 17 of May, the second edition of the “Macedonia Energy Forum” will be held in Struga, with a focus on global energy, new energy resources, energy efficiency and the challenges facing Southeast Europe to match European standards. The meeting will schedule official speeches and will include a part devoted to the presentation of companies and B2B contacts.
