Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski and Macedonian Power Plants (ELEM) director Vlatko Cingoski officially put into use Wednesday hydro plant "Sveta Petka".

The plant construction is worth EUR 75 million, which makes it one of the most expensive investments in the area of utilizing the country's energy potentials.

"After enormous efforts by all stakeholders and years of hard work, the project has been completed", said PM Gruevski.

Slovenian contractor "Riko" and Macedonian companies "Beton" and "Granit" as sub-contractors were involved in the project.

"The dam has been built, the reservoir has started to accumulate, and the system is ready for use. The missing link for the maximum use of river Treska's hydro potential has been set. The installed power of the hydro plant is 36,4MW and the annual output is about 66GWh. Sveta Petka completes the Skopsko Pole hydro system, which also includes Kozjak and Matka hydro plants", added Gruevski.

He referred to the fight for energy independence, including numerous projects for revitalization, enlargement and enhancement of Macedonia's energy system.

"Our work in this field will continue, whereas citizens will feel the benefits", said PM Gruevski.

ELEM director Cingoski stressed that the facility enriched the country from a technical, energy and economic aspect.

"The plant is fully automated and its operation can be remotely monitored and controlled by using the modern telecommunication and processing equipment", said Cingoski.