Skopje, 28 May 2025 (MIA) - Power Plants of North Macedonia (ESM) and Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) signed agreements Wednesday for the realization of the second stage of the Bogdanci wind park. The strategic partnership will boost the renewable energy capacity and strengthen the country’s energy independence, ESM said in a press release.

The total financial framework for the project stands at EUR 37.6 million secured through a combination of a favorable loan from the KfW Development Bank (EUR 25.7 million), an EU grant through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (approximately EUR 8.9 million) and EUR 3 million in funds from ESM.

The agreements were signed by ESM Director-General Lazo Uzunchev and Stjepan Čerkez from SGRE’s Vienna office, said ESM. Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources Sonja Bozhinovska and German Ambassador Petra Drexler attended the signing. 

Minister Bozhinovska said the project “represents a powerful symbol of what can be achieved through a strategic partnership, trust and a shared vision for a greener and more resilient future”.

“It strengthens our national commitment to accelerating the energy transition, boosting capacities for renewable energy and strengthening the country’s energy independence,” Bozhinovska assessed.

Ambassador Drexler said Germany, the EU and North Macedonia stand united for a sustainable and carbon-neutral energy future. 

“The expansion of the Bogdanci wind park as a result of the cooperation between the German KfW Development Bank, EU WBIF and ESM is one more illustration of our continued, firm partnership. Wind energy stands out as one of the cleanest sources of energy because of zero emissions and the exceptionally low carbon footprint,” Drexler said.

Steffen Hudolin, the Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to North Macedonia, said the European Union, with its financial and institutional support, is turning today’s energy challenges into future breakthroughs of clean energy.

“The WBIF investment in stage two of the Bogdanci wind park with a grant of EUR 9 million is proof of the long-term commitment and partnership both with KfW and the Government, supporting North Macedonia in accelerating its green energy transition. This is a model for a successful partnership within the Green Deal, and the expansion represents a significant step on North Macedonia’s path to energy decarbonization and regional climate resilience,” Hudolin said. 

ESM Director-General Uzunchev noted that the final stage of installing the wind turbines is expected to be completed in summer 2027. 

As part of the second stage of the Bogdanci wind park project, an additional four windmills with a total capacity of 13.6 MW will be installed at the existing wind park, which currently has 16 windmills. 

Photo: ESM