Shtip, 16 July 2025 (MIA) – A cornerstone-laying ceremony on Wednesday marked the start of the construction of a wind farm near Shtip. With US$500 million investment, Alcazar Energy Partners will build 55 wind turbines across an area of 326 hectares, supplying electricity for 100,000 households. 

Announced as the largest wind park in the Western Balkans, the project marks a major step toward strengthening energy security and meeting the country’s renewable energy goals.

Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Alcazar Energy Partners, Daniel Calderon, said that the project will lead to a reduction in electricity prices, highlighting the state's readiness to launch the initiative, which he said demonstrated leadership and discipline.

“The government leadership pushed us to move faster and complete the work. We are laying the foundations for this significant project worth over US$500 million, which will create 600 jobs, generate clean energy, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions,” Calderon stated.

He shared that, according to a Bloomberg analysis, the Western Balkans are expected to see US$11 billion in new investments in renewable energy. He added that North Macedonia could secure 30 to 40 percent of that amount due to its strategic position, human capital, and discipline.

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said that after more than a year, what had been promised together with the investor is now reaching the completion of its first phase.

“Discipline is always the most important factor. Without discipline and a clearly defined project structure, there is nothing. We have many more ideas on how this investment can add even greater value, both for the company and for us as a country,” Mickoski noted.

Mickoski said that the government is seriously committed to the economy, as we firmly believe in the country’s vast potential to make significant progress. “That’s exactly what we are doing, and the initial indicators from the beginning of this year support it,” PM Mickoski noted.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications Aleksandar Nikoloski emphasized that the implementation of this, the largest renewable energy investment to date, reflects the nation's ability to manage large-scale projects.

“There is both a direct and an indirect economic impact. The direct one is the energy produced and sold, contributing to GDP. However, the indirect impact is even more significant, particularly for our economy and industry. EU green transition rules stipulate that, as of 2026, industries such as metal and steel, which are among our largest GDP contributors, must use green energy. If not, they will face penalties. Projects like this are essential in enabling our economy to remain competitive and become a leader in industrial production,” Nikoloski said.

Photo: MIA