Zakarpattia’s First Wind Farm: 80 MW of Clean Energy and a New Chapter in the Region’s Development

Zakarpattia’s first-ever wind power plant, the Nyzhni Vorota Wind Farm, with a total capacity of 80.8 MW, has started operating. The project was implemented by Wind Parks of Ukraine and has become one of the most illustrative examples of green power generation development in Ukraine, even under the conditions of a full-scale war. It has opened a new chapter in the development of renewable energy in the region. All 16 turbines, manufactured by the Ukrainian company Friendly Wind Technology, are integrated into Ukraine’s unified power system and are already generating electricity.

For a long time, Zakarpattia had no large-scale wind generation, despite its significant natural potential. In wartime conditions, it is important not only to expand renewable energy capacity, but also to ensure the region’s energy resilience, stable electricity supply, and independence from external risks.

Construction of the wind farm began in the autumn of 2023 with the foundation laid for the first wind turbine. The turbines have unit capacities of 4.8 MW and 5.2 MW, and all were manufactured by the Ukrainian company Friendly Wind Technology. The turbines were connected in stages, and today the station is fully operational. It has already supplied more than 70 million kWh to the power system, which is comparable to the annual electricity consumption of more than 25,000 households.

Within this project, Wind Parks of Ukraine became the first company in Ukraine to introduce a new cooperation model: 3% of electricity sales revenues are allocated to community development. In 2025 alone, the Nyzhni Vorota community received UAH 14.1 million, which was used for school repairs, heating modernization, and road works. In this way, the community becomes an active part of the project and receives direct economic and social benefits.

The wind farm was built in compliance with European quality, safety, and environmental standards, including the environmental impact assessment procedure and ongoing environmental monitoring involving leading scientists. To minimize environmental impact and protect rare species, the company deliberately reduced the number of turbines from 30 to 16, demonstrating a responsible approach to ecology and the local community. The project has been recognized by Ukrainian and European industry experts as proof that Ukraine’s green energy transition is possible even in the most challenging circumstances.

Financial and Technical Results of the Nyzhni Vorota Wind Farm

• Total installed capacity: 80.8 MW

• Number of wind turbines: 16

• Implementation period: 2023–2025

• Status: commissioned and connected to the grid (operational project)

• Budget: not disclosed

• Financing: mixed (details not disclosed)

Vladyslav Yeremenko, CEO of Wind Parks of Ukraine:
“The full launch of this project effectively opens a new chapter in the development of renewable energy in Zakarpattia. Wind energy facilities create jobs, support infrastructure development, and attract long-term investment to the region. For us, it is important that such facilities benefit not only the country’s power system, but also local residents. That is why the company operates under the 3% model, where part of the proceeds from electricity sales is directed to community development.”

Why This Is Green Transformation

• The first large-scale wind generation project in Zakarpattia, integrated into the national power system.

• Use of Ukrainian-made multi-megawatt-class wind turbines.

• The community becomes part of the project through the 3% model and receives a direct socio-economic effect.

• Compliance with environmental standards and monitoring of environmental impact.

• Stable energy generation that strengthens the region’s energy resilience.

The project team believes that such solutions will become an example for other regions. The community can be an active part of the project through the 3% model, receiving direct socio-economic benefits. The station will continue to expand its capacity, supplying even more households and strengthening the country’s energy resilience. The project shows that Ukrainian technologies and a responsible environmental approach make it possible to implement large-scale renewable energy projects even under difficult conditions.