Latvia is moving forward on its renewable energy goals with plans for two major solar parks. The larger of the two, a 229-megawatt (MW) solar power facility developed by state-owned utility Latvenergo, is set to be the biggest in the Baltic region. It will be built on a 300-hectare plot in the central municipality of Jaunjelgava, with construction scheduled to begin in summer 2024 and the first electricity generation expected in 2025.
Latvia to build the largest solar park in the Baltic States with a capacity of 229 MW, followed by a 100 MW project in Līvāni, boosting renewable energy generation.
A second 100 MW solar park is planned for the municipality of Līvāni, with construction set to begin in the first quarter of 2024. Together, these projects are central to Latvia’s strategy to increase its renewable energy capacity and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.
Strategic Importance and Economic Impact
These projects are a key part of Latvenergo’s broader plan to add at least 600 MW of solar capacity to its portfolio by 2026. The total investment in the Jaunjelgava solar park is estimated at €150 million ($163 million), with the Līvāni project expected to cost around €100 million ($108 million). Funding for this expansion comes from Latvenergo’s €400 million ($435 million) sale of shares in the electricity distributor Sadales Tikls to the state.
Beyond adding energy capacity, these solar parks are crucial for enhancing Latvia’s energy security and reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. Generating more electricity from renewable sources will decrease the country’s dependence on imported energy—a vital concern amid Europe’s ongoing energy crisis. The projects also align with the Latvian government’s ambitious targets for renewables and contribute to its goals under the European Union’s Green Deal, which aims for EU climate neutrality by 2050.
Technology and Future Prospects
The solar parks will use advanced photovoltaic (PV) technology to maximize their efficiency and output. This choice of technology, combined with the scale of the developments, highlights Latvia’s commitment to modernizing its energy infrastructure and pursuing innovative solutions for its energy needs.
The success of these projects could pave the way for further investment in Latvia’s renewable energy sector. This trend is already taking shape: the Aizpute solar park, for instance, has secured impressive funding for 2025 (as reported by PVKnowhow). As Latvia continues to build out its renewable capacity, it could become a model for other nations in the region, including Baltic neighbors Lithuania and Estonia, which are also focusing on renewables to ensure their energy security. Other notable developments—like the 94 MW Vārme solar farm and a 148 MW project in the Zemgale region that has also secured substantial funding—underscore the growing momentum of Latvia’s solar transition.
Charting Latvia’s Renewable Energy Future
Latvia’s investment in large-scale solar parks marks a major step toward its renewable energy ambitions. The construction of these two facilities will substantially increase the country’s solar capacity, bolstering both its energy security and environmental goals. The combination of advanced technology and strategic funding reinforces Latvia’s commitment to a sustainable energy future. As these parks come online in the coming years, they will play a crucial role in reshaping the nation’s energy landscape and strengthening its position in the broader European renewable energy market.
