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Latvia’s Booming Renewable Energy Sector

Among the top European countries in green energy use

© Utilitas Wind / Utilitas Wind vēja parks Tārgalē

Latvians are fortunate to enjoy the stunning beauty of our natural landscape—from foraging for mushrooms in lush green forests to taking seaside walks and gathering medicinal herbs in diverse meadows. This heritage drives our commitment to preserve these treasures through responsible stewardship of nature, addressing climate change, and considering how our everyday actions impact the environment, including the energy we use.

A month ago, 100 business delegates participated in Latvia’s largest U.S. trade mission, showcasing our green energy potential by engaging with industry leaders and attending major events like Houston’s Gastech exhibition and San Francisco’s Dreamforce conference. Key outcomes include a memorandum between KBR and GI Terminals to produce sustainable aviation fuel from CO₂ and hydrogen. Latvia’s leading energy provider, Latvenergo, also partnered up with the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory to develop energy transformation strategies crucial for achieving Latvia’s 2050 zero-emissions goal.

As global demand for green energy rises, these partnerships represent logical steps toward Latvia’s commitment to energy independence and sustainability.

© AS "Latvenergo"

© Energiapartner

Green Country, Strong Energy

Green energy isn’t just a vision for the future though. We’ve already made substantial strides in sustainably managing our natural resources, and the numbers speak for themselves. In 2023, Latvia ranked among the top three countries in the European Union for renewable energy use, with renewables accounting for 43.5% of our energy consumption. This is nearly at the ambitious 44.3% target set for 2025 and well above the EU average of 23%.

The reduction in natural gas usage over the past decade is impressive as well; we’ve decreased it by 38.5%. The gradual rise in electric vehicle adoption signals Latvia’s shift toward sustainable transportation as well.

The remarkable growth over the past couple of years shows great potential for achieving our future goals of cleaner energy, zero emissions, and sustainable independence. Solar and wind energy production alone experienced an impressive 92% surge in 2023 compared to 2022, and this momentum shows no signs of slowing down.

© Utilitas Wind / Utilitas Wind vēja parks Tārgalē

Green Energy Future in Latvia

Building on these achievements, Latvia has set ambitious targets for its green energy transition. By 2030, we aim to source 57% of our total energy from renewable sources, with an ultimate goal of climate neutrality by 2050 that fully aligns with EU climate objectives. Currently, our focus centers on expanding wind and solar power infrastructure.

The flagship ‘Elwind’ project exemplifies this commitment. 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. These efforts are paving the way for Latvia to export electricity and lead in efficient tech like hydrogen production. By going green and cutting fossil fuels, Latvia is on a solid path to meet EU climate goals and lead in the green energy space,” says Laura Štrovalde, Deputy Director General of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA).

While aging infrastructure remains our primary challenge,currently responsible for nearly half of our energy demand, Latvia is taking decisive action. Through targeted building renovations and electric vehicle initiatives, we’re steadily reducing our oil dependency. These efforts do more than just meet EU climate targets; they help preserve the natural heritage that makes Latvia unique—from our mushroom-rich forests to our pristine coastline—for generations to come.