North Macedonia’s third wind farm enters trial operation

According to the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC or RKE) of North Macedonia, a 44 MW wind power plant has entered trial operation in Demir Kapija. Almost three years ago, Kaltun Enerji hired YEO Teknoloji, also based in Turkey, to build the first part of the Dren wind farm. It is the third such facility in the country, but another one was built nearby and is about to be commissioned.

North Macedonia added 210 MW from renewable sources to the electricity grid this year through November, of which 44 MW is a wind power plant in Demir Kapija that entered trial operation, President of RKE Marko Bislimoski revealed. According to the body, officially called the Energy, Water Services, and Municipal Waste Management Services Regulatory Commission, the rest are photovoltaics.

Given that solar power capacity amounted to 848 MW at the end of 2024, it means that it has recently surpassed 1 GW.

The share of renewables in production capacity was 55% last year, while they generated 40% of domestic electricity, Bislimoski added.

Dren wind power plant has nine turbines

In early 2023, Kaltun Enerji hired YEO Teknoloji for its 44 MW wind power plant project in Dren in North Macedonia. Both companies are based in Turkey. The eponymous village is in the municipality of Demir Kapija, but parts of the area are in the neighboring Negotino and Gevgelija, which borders Greece.

Kaltun Enerji obtained licenses this year for the trial operation of Dren 1 (33.6 MW) and Dren 2 (9.6 MW). They consist of seven and two Goldwind turbines, respectively, of 4.8 MW each.

North Macedonia’s first wind power plant, Bogdanci, is nearby.

Nearby wind park awaiting commissioning

Project firm Park na veterni elektrani Perun, formerly known as Euroing, received a temporary license from RKE in April for electricity production for a 30 MW wind power plant, also known as Rosoman facility. The location is in the Bogdanci municipality, in the same area. The wind park comprises five Siemens Gamesa turbines. According to the latest updates, it was about to be commissioned.

The country’s second wind power plant, put into operation last year, is called Bogoslovec.

Alcazar Energy Partners held a groundbreaking ceremony in July for its Štip wind farm in North Macedonia. At 400 MW, it would be the biggest in the Western Balkans.

Of note, Bislimoski said that RKE has started amending the licenses for solar power plants that added battery storage, but also pointed out that he doesn’t expect power surpluses this winter. Consumption is increasing, especially among households, as a large share uses electricity for heating, he added.