IPTO’s Chairman and CEO, Manos Manousakis, recently revealed at the OT Forum that discussions are in progress for acquiring stakes in transmission system operators (TSOs) in neighboring countries.
The expansion efforts are anchored in the 2018 Prespa Agreement between Greece and North Macedonia, which lays the groundwork for the Greek company’s potential entry into the region. Additionally, the potential EU accession of Western Balkan countries presents further opportunities for IPTO.
Manousakis envisions a mutually beneficial outcome for any collaboration, emphasizing IPTO’s robust financial position and substantial capital resources. These strengths, he asserts, are key to supporting the energy transition and investments in grid infrastructure and regional interconnections. IPTO has identified North Macedonia, Serbia, and Montenegro as potential partners for stake acquisitions in their respective TSOs.
Initial discussions have taken place between IPTO and North Macedonia’s MEPSO. However, the Macedonian government, as stated by Minister of Economy Kreshnik Bekteshi, is cautious about selling parts of its strategic TSO to foreign entities. Given the TSO’s role in national security, the government emphasizes the need for it to remain under state control.
