Skopje, 12 October 2021 (MIA) – A 415-megawatt wind power plant, estimated at EUR 500 million, will be built along the Kumanovo-Staro Nagorichane-Kriva Palanka route in the northern part of the country, it was announced Tuesday by Prime Minister Zoran Zaev and WPD, a German company. Speaking at a news conference, Zaev said it is the largest direct greenfield investment in the Macedonian economy since the declaration of independence. “A wind park, so called ‘Whirlpool”, will be built – the largest capacity of renewable energy sources in the country, the same as two blocks in REK Bitola. 69 new wind turbines will be installed, which is four times more than the current ones, the 16 wind turbines along the Greece border. They will produce over 400 MW of power,” he stated. The investment, which will be realized in several stages, won’t be awarded beneficial state tariffs. It is expected to supply 290,000 households with power. “It is not only the largest German investments in the country, it is also the largest direct Greenfield investment in the Macedonian economy since the country declared independence. It proves that the green agenda is possible. The project envisages more than half of the 700 MW, projected according to the strategy,” the PM told the news conference. Major investors, Zaev noted, have been recognizing the economic conditions, the safety and stability in the country, where they come to invest because reforms have been implemented well. “We adopted the required legislation, we created conditions for companies to invest in a safe and secure country, we provided fair conditions for all. We’ve been working according to European rules with renowned investors,” said Zaev. Operating in 28 countries, WPD supports projects with over 5,000 MW capacity in renewable sources. Welcoming the investment, German Ambassador Anke Holstein said the project will reduce carbon dioxide by 310,000 tons annually. She said she was glad that the two countries have increased energy cooperation, adding the project is supporting the ambitious goals of the government set out in terms of energy transition. The agreement will be valid for 45 years.