Wind farm “Virovi” to be built – largest capacity of renewable energy sources in the country

Construction of a 415 megawatt wind power plant on the Kumanovo – Staro Nagoricane – Kriva Palanka stretch, in the value of about 500 million euros, announced today Prime Minister Zoran Zaev and the German company WPD.

As Zaev announced, it is about one of the largest direct greenfield investments in the Macedonian economy since its independence.

A wind farm called Virovi, said Zaev, will be built – the largest capacity of renewable energy sources in the country, as much as the two blocks in REK Bitola have. 69 new wind turbines will be installed, which is four times more than the recent 16 on the border with Greece, which will generate over 400 megawatts of electricity.

“Virovi” will not use any feed-in tariffs, it will supply 290,000 households with electricity, whereas the investment will run in several phases.

-This is not just the largest German investment in the country, this is the largest direct greenfield investment in the Macedonian economy since its independence. It is proof that the green scenario is more than possible. This project is more than half of the anticipated 700 megawatts with the strategy, said Zaev.

According to him, big investors are recognizing the economic opportunities, security and stability of the country, and they come because the reforms are well implemented.

-We have passed the necessary legislation, created conditions for investing in a safe and secure country, fair conditions for all. We are working according to European rules, with serious and proven investors, highlighted the Prime Minister.

WPD works in 28 countries and disposes with over 5,000 megawatts of installed capacity in renewable sources.

The investment was welcomed also by German Ambassador Anke Holstein, pointing out that the project will enable annual reduction of 310,000 tons of carbon dioxide.

-I am glad to see an increasing cooperation between the two countries in the field of energy. The project supports the ambitious goals of the Macedonian government in the energy transition, said the Ambassador and noted that the agreement will last 45 years.

Translation: N. Cvetkovska