Leading Latvian energy service provider in the Baltics Latvenergo and RWE, a German global leader in the renewable energy sector, will cooperate in developing, constructing and operating offshore wind projects off the Latvian coast.
The decision to cooperate was finalised in a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC), signed by Latvenergo and RWE on 16 September in Riga, Latvia. The cooperation agreement between the two equal partners combines Latvenergo’s extensive knowledge of the Latvian energy market and energy supply in the Baltic states with RWE’s long-standing experience in offshore wind farm development, successful project implementation and safe operation.
The new partnership will be key in supporting the build-out of offshore wind power in order to strengthen Latvia’s energy independence. Latvia aims to increase its wind capacity from currently approximately 70 megawatts (MW) to 800 MW by 2030, as outlined in its National Energy and Climate Plan. In addition, the country plans to open the ELWIND tender, a 1-gigawatt (GW) cross-border offshore project in collaboration with Estonia.
“The sea has a special meaning for us, previously we have generally seen it as an environmental resource, a recreational resource and an opportunity to enjoy nature. Today, the meaning has changed, but it is not gone. That is why the involvement of state-owned companies is more than welcome in research, development and in cooperation with international partners. Concluding agreements in research accelerates our goal of reaching energy security and energy independence”, said Latvian Minister of Economics, Ilze Indriksone.
“Offshore wind is key to meeting the increasing demand for renewable power in Europe, supporting local industries and creating new, future-proof jobs,” Sven Utermöhlen, CEO of Offshore Wind of RWE Renewables, added. “Together with our partner Latvenergo we are committed to contributing towards delivering Latvia’s offshore wind ambitions – hand in hand with the local communities and supply chain. We bring more than 20 years of experience and technical expertise in the offshore industry to this partnership.”
