Aktif Elektroteknik has contributed to one of North Macedonia’s most significant recent energy infrastructure investments by supplying 54 pcs SNC Double Busbar medium-voltage switchgear for EVN Macedonia’s new “Centralna” substation in Skopje.

Commissioned in March 2026, the new substation represents an important step in the modernisation and stabilisation of the electricity network serving the urban core of the North Macedonian capital.

A Strategic Investment in the Heart of Skopje

Rapid urban development, increasing electricity demand and ageing infrastructure had placed growing pressure on the existing substations serving central Skopje.

Located at a critical point in the city’s electricity network, the Centralna substation was constructed to strengthen supply security, relieve existing capacity constraints and create the infrastructure required for continued urban and economic development.

The EUR 22 million facility has a reported installed capacity of 120 MW. Its compact architecture allowed it to be constructed on an area substantially smaller than a conventional substation of comparable capacity—an important consideration for a technically complex project located in a densely developed urban environment.

The facility also incorporates a 110 kV GIS installation, a 24 kV distribution system with double busbar, remote-control systems, cable monitoring, fire protection and advanced electronic protection and control equipment.

Aktif Elektroteknik’s Contribution

Within the medium-voltage distribution architecture of the project, Aktif Elektroteknik supplied 54 units of 24 kV SNC Double Busbar Metal-Clad Switchgear.

The core project objective was to establish a flexible double-busbar distribution system capable of receiving power from two independent supply sources.

This architecture enables loads to be supplied through either busbar and supports controlled load transfer between the two systems. In the event of maintenance or a fault affecting a busbar, transformer or circuit breaker, the configuration helps preserve continuity by allowing the relevant loads to be transferred to the alternative busbar.

The same architecture also supports:

• Load sharing between independent busbars
• Flexible switching and load transfer
• Maintenance with reduced operational disruption
• Future feeder additions and system expansion
• Isolation of selected outgoing loads when required
• Greater operating flexibility in critical distribution centres

For an urban substation positioned at the heart of Skopje’s electricity network, this combination of continuity and operational flexibility was a central engineering requirement.

Engineered for Service Continuity and Operational Safety

SNC Double Busbar switchgear combines a metal-partitioned and modular architecture with high levels of service continuity and personnel protection.

The solution delivered for the project incorporates key product characteristics including:

• LSC-2B service continuity classification
• PM metallic partitioning
• AFLR internal arc classification
• IP4X external protection
• Mechanically and electrically interlocked switching architecture
• Segregated compartments for busbars, switching equipment, cables and low-voltage control systems
• Compliance with IEC 62271-200 and related international standards

The modular structure provides organised and controlled access to the circuit breaker, cable connection and control compartments. Internal arc pressure-relief arrangements are designed to direct pressure and gases away from personnel and adjacent equipment in the event of an internal fault.

These characteristics help combine operational continuity, maintainability and safety within a compact indoor switchgear installation.

Supporting a Complex Urban Infrastructure Project

The Centralna substation was realised through the coordinated contribution of more than 30 companies and specialist technology providers.

Aktif Elektroteknik remained actively involved throughout the commissioning and after-sales stages, supporting the integration of the supplied medium-voltage switchgear into the wider substation architecture.

This involvement reflects an approach that extends beyond equipment delivery—combining engineering, manufacturing, testing, commissioning support and long-term technical collaboration.

Reliable Infrastructure for a Growing City

The commissioning of Centralna provides Skopje with a new strategic node for stable, secure and efficient electricity distribution.

For Aktif Elektroteknik, the project represents an important international reference for SNC Double Busbar technology in a high-capacity urban distribution application.

By combining two independent supply paths, modular switchgear architecture and proven safety classifications, the delivered solution supports a more resilient and adaptable electricity network for the centre of Skopje.

Through projects such as Centralna, Aktif Elektroteknik continues to contribute engineering expertise and medium-voltage solutions to critical energy infrastructure investments across international markets.

Explore SNC Double Busbar Medium-Voltage Switchgear

Discover how double-busbar architecture can support continuity, operational flexibility and safer maintenance in critical power distribution applications.