The Ministry of Economy of Ukraine has issued a positive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) conclusion for the construction of a wind power plant (WPP) on Runa Meadow in the Uzhhorod district of Zakarpattia region. The project предусматривает the installation of 30 wind turbines with a total capacity of up to 156 MW.
The project developers are LLC “Vitrjany Park Turianskyi” and LLC “VP Polonyna Runa-1”, which act as project operators and initiators of the detailed territorial plan. The direct construction of the wind turbines is carried out by LLC “Friendly Wind Technology”, a company specializing in wind energy projects in western Ukraine.
The financial partner is JSC “Oschadbank”, which provides credit financing for the construction.
Project Parameters
- 30 turbines with capacity of up to 5.5 MW each
- Total installed capacity — 156 MW
- Expected annual output — approximately 480,000 MWh
- Equivalent to covering the consumption of around 235,000 households
According to market estimates, investments in onshore wind farms in Ukraine average €1.1–1.4 million per 1 MW, implying a potential project budget of €170–220 million.
What the Ministry of Economy Stated
The EIA conclusion indicates:
- The territory is not part of protected natural reserves or the Emerald Network;
- Distances to protected areas (80–490 meters) do not violate buffer zone requirements;
- Research findings show low impact on birds and bats;
- The project does not involve deforestation;
- Access to construction sites will be provided via an existing road.
At the same time, the ministry noted the developer’s phased approach (often referred to as “salami slicing”), where certain preparatory works began before the final EIA decision. While there is no direct prohibition on this practice, the regulator announced potential amendments to the regulatory framework.
Why the Investment Project Matters
The decision comes against the backdrop of significant losses to Ukraine’s power system — since October 2025, approximately 8.5 GW of generation capacity has been damaged.
The wind farm on Runa Meadow:
- Could cover up to half of residential electricity consumption in Zakarpattia region;
- Will create new jobs in the local community;
- Will increase tax revenues;
- Will strengthen the region’s energy independence.
According to Ukraine’s National Energy and Climate Plan, the share of renewables in the country’s energy mix is expected to increase to 27% by 2030 (currently around 11%). The Runa Meadow project is set to become one of the largest new wind farms in western Ukraine.
It should be noted that the construction of the wind farm has drawn criticism from environmental organizations and part of the public. However, the government emphasizes that the decision regarding Runa Meadow does not create an automatic precedent for other territories — each project will undergo separate environmental and legal assessments.
