Latvian commercial wind power generation system

Does Latvia have a wind energy potential?

The wind energy potential in Latvia is significant, both for onshore and offshore wind. But Latvia is lagging behind its neighbours and others. It only has 66 MW of capacity and hasn’t built any new wind farms since 2012. A new onshore project was recently presented by Vestas.

Does Latvia have a wind farm?

It only has 66 MW of capacity and hasn’t built any new wind farms since 2012. A new onshore project was recently presented by Vestas. This 59 MW wind farm will almost double Latvia’s capacity and will be operational by the end of 2022. The expansion of onshore and offshore wind would benefit the Latvian economy.

Will a 59 MW wind farm boost Latvia's economy?

This 59 MW wind farm will almost double Latvia’s capacity and will be operational by the end of 2022. The expansion of onshore and offshore wind would benefit the Latvian economy. Each new wind turbine generates on average €10m of economic activity. And by building wind farms in their neighbourhood local communities can benefit too.

Should Latvia start implementing a regulatory framework for offshore wind?

To this end it’s important Latvia starts implementing a regulatory framework to support the development of offshore wind. It takes longer to build offshore wind farms than onshore wind farms, so if Latvia wants to project to be operational before 2030 it needs to start acting soon.

How can the Latvian government support wind farms?

The Latvian Government should also introduce an efficient financing model to support wind farm investments. Auctions for contracts for Difference (CfD) would be the best option here. CfDs significantly reduce the financing costs of wind farms, because banks are happy to lend to projects that have stable revenues.

Will the 'elwind' boost Latvia's energy independence?

This joint Latvian-Estonian offshore wind farm, set for completion by 2030, will strengthen both countries’ energy independence while advancing the goals of the European Green Deal. “Latvia’s push for renewable energy, highlighted by projects like the ‘Elwind,’ is bringing in fresh investment and boosting our energy independence.