With the signing of this MoU, DESFA and NOMAGAS commit to intensifying their efforts toward the development of sustainable, secure, and efficient natural gas infrastructure in the region.
Athens, April 29, 2025 — DESFA and NOMAGAS JSC, the state-owned natural gas transmission operator of the Republic of North Macedonia, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen their cooperation in the energy sector, further advance regional energy interconnection and strengthen security of supply.
The MoU was signed at the 9th Balkan Energy Summit by the CEO of DESFA, Maria Rita Galli, and the Executive Director of NOMAGAS, Muhamet Elmazi, in the presence of the Deputy Minister for Energy of Greece, Nikos Tsafos and the Minister of Energy of North Macedonia, Sanja Božinovska, building upon the established and fruitful relationship between the two companies, dating back to 2016 for the Interconnector Greece – North Macedonia pipeline project.
The pipeline, spanning 123 km in total (55 km in Greece and 67 km in North Macedonia), will enable access to new markets, strengthening the energy security of the wider region and supporting energy transition, including future hydrogen transport, as it is 100% hydrogen ready. Furthermore, the project will significantly enhance the diversification of gas supply sources for North Macedonia by providing access to the Greek gas network and the LNG import terminals at Revithoussa and Alexandroupolis. This major infrastructure project, already under construction and expected to be completed by the first semester of 2026, will further position Greece as an energy hub for Southeastern Europe.
With the signing of this MoU, DESFA and NOMAGAS commit to intensifying their efforts toward the development of sustainable, secure, and efficient natural gas infrastructure in the region. The partnership aims to promote cross-border synergies and enable the integration of emerging technologies in natural gas transmission systems, contributing to the broader goal of energy security and transition. This MoU will remain in effect for a period of ten years, highlighting the long-term nature of the cooperation between DESFA and NOMAGAS.
Deputy Minister of Energy, Nikos Tsafos, commented: “The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between DESFA and NOMAGAS marks a pivotal step forward, for energy cooperation in our region. This partnership not only strengthens the ties between Greece and North Macedonia, but also reinforces our shared commitment to energy security, and diversification. The Greece–North Macedonia gas pipeline, is a strategic project that enhances our region’s resilience and interconnectivity, broadens the economic and investment prospects in the region and reaffirms Greece as a key energy hub for Southeastern Europe. By working together and leveraging our expertise, we are building the foundations for a more secure and sustainable energy future.”
Minister of Energy of North Macedonia, Sanja Božinovska, noted: “Today’s signing is a clear confirmation of our strategic vision: to connect, to diversify, and to future-proof our energy systems. Strengthening the partnership between NOMAGAS and DESFA means opening North Macedonia to new energy markets and greater supply security, while directly supporting our transition to sustainable energy sources. The Interconnector is designed not just for today’s needs but for the energy future — a future where clean technologies will play a key role. With this step, we are not only ensuring greater resilience for our country, but also contributing to a stronger and more integrated energy region in Southeastern Europe.”
Regarding the signing of the MoU, DESFA CEO Maria Rita Galli stated: “This MoU represents another important step in DESFA’s commitment to regional cooperation in the energy sector. Through this partnership with NOMAGAS, we will be able to utilize our shared expertise and resources to accelerate the development of our national gas systems and contribute to the diversification and security of energy supply of Southeastern Europe, aligning with our objective, to build resilient infrastructure and promote a sustainable energy future for the region.’’
Executive Director of NOMAGAS, Muhamet Elmazi, added: “This Memorandum of Understanding highlights NOMAGAS’ role in diversifying North Macedonia’s energy supply and supporting its energy transition. It also establishes NOMAGAS as a key link for transporting natural gas and hydrogen to the Western Balkans and Europe, helping to strengthen their energy systems. This will be achieved through a strategically important partnership with DESFA as an energy hub, utilizing its versatility.”
