Supply: Energy Sources
Electricity
Structure of power sector
Installed generation capacity: 2,463 MW | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| of which | thermal: | 877 MW (two CHP plants: Riga TEC-1 (144 MWel) and Riga TEC-2 (627 MWel (cogeneration mode) or 657MWel (condensation mode)) and CHPs under 12MW (total approx. 76 MW) |
| nuclear: | 0 | |
| hydro: | 1562 MW (4 hydroelectric power plants) | |
| wind power | 24 MW | |
[Ekodoma]
Nuclear Power Plants:
Latvia does not operate nuclear power plants. It has, however, a nuclear facility, the Salaspils nuclear reactor, a pool-type research reactor closed in 1998, the decommissioning of which is continuing. [EU Commission]
Production of Electricity in 2008 according to energy sources in Latvia, as compared to other countries in Central and Eastern Europe, Austria and the European Union 15
When taking into consideration wind power and peat, the more detailed figures are as follows:
| Hydro | Nuclear | Natural Gas | Oil | Coal | Peat | Wind | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
HPP | 2819 GWh |
|
|
|
|
|
| 2819 GWh |
CHP |
|
| 1029 GWh | 171 GWh |
| 113 GWh |
| 1313 GWh |
Wind |
|
|
|
|
|
| 4 GWh | 4 GWh |
| 68.16% | 0.00% | 24.88% | 4.14% | 0.00% | 2.73% | 0.10% | 4136 GWh |
Per Capita Consumption of Electricity since 1988 in Latvia, as compared to other countries in Central and Eastern Europe, Austria and the European Union 15
There is a trend visible in the EU, that the demand for electricity is increasing more quickly than the total demand for energy. From the countries of Central and Eastern Europe shown in this figure, so far only Slovenia shows this trend. However, recently, a similar trend can be seen also in Latvia:
Electricity Demand per Capita 1996 - 2002
Electricity Balance - 2009 | TWh | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
GROSS PRODUCTION | 5.58 | 100.0 | |
Hydro | 3.46 | 62.01 | |
Nuclear | 0 | 0 | |
Wind | 0.05 | 0.90 | |
Thermal, of which | 2.07 | 37.10 | |
| ex-coal | 0 | 0 |
ex-oil | 0 | 0 | |
ex-gas | 2.02 | 36.20 | |
ex-biomass | 0.04 | 0.72 | |
NET PORODUCTION | 5.40 | 96.77 | |
Imports | 4.26 | 76.34 | |
Exports | -2.61 | -46.77 | |
Transport, distribution losses | -0.74 | -13.26 | |
TOTAL CONSUMPTION | 6.31 | 113.08 | |
Energy Sector Consumption | 0.18 | 3.23 | |
FINAL CONSUMPTION | 6.13 | 109.86 | |
| industry | 1.56 | 27.96 |
transport | 0.12 | 2.15 | |
households, services | 4.45 | 79.75 | |
Electricity Production in Latvia according to energy sources in 2009
Electricity grid
In 2008, the High Voltage Electricity Network has fourteen 330 kV voltage sub stations; a 1248 km 330 kV current electric transmission line; a 41.83 km 110 kV current overhead line, a 3428 km 110 kV current cable line and 117 110 kV current sub stations. The combined capacity installed is 7083,8 MVA. The electricity grid is managed by a daughter organization of “Latvenergo” – SC “Augstsprieguma tikls”. The organization was separated from “Latvenergo” in 2005 and is licensed by the Public Utilities Commision to transmit electricity on the territory of Latvia.
The Baltic Dispatching Center (DC Baltija) was founded in 1991 by energy specialists from the Baltic countries. DC Baltija successfully manages the Baltic electricity union and its operations. The Latvian energy grid has been successfully integrated into a joint Russia – Baltic – Belarus energy grid, helping prevent system failures.
BALTREL (The Baltic Ring Electricity Co-operation Committee), funded in 1998, is an association formed by energy companies in the Baltic Sea region. It works as a discussion forum analyzing issues and problems of common interest to these countries. The aim is to undertake the “Baltic Ring” project.
In 1998 started the ESTLINK project, the aim of which is to build a sub sea electrical link between Estonia and Finland across the Bay of Finland. Latvenergo has been participating in ESTLINK as a partner since 2001.[Ekodoma]
http://www.eva.ac.at/enercee/lv/supplybycarrier.htm#eva-page
Oil and Natural Gas
Oil:
The share of oil products in primary energy consumption was 1713000 tons in 2007.
The Russian crude oil pipeline system is connected to three ports on the Baltic Sea: Latvia's port of Ventspils (completed in 1961); Lithuania's port of Butinge (completed in 1999); and the Russian port of Primorsk (completed in 2002). These three ports transited roughly 500,000 barrels per day of (bbl/d) of crude oil in 2002, or roughly 10% of Russia's net exports. Smaller quantities of crude oil are also distributed to other Baltic ports via rail as well as significant quantities of petroleum products.
The countries of the Baltic region are net oil importers, depending on Russia for approximately 90% of their supply. Lativa produces no oil domestically and is entirely dependent on imports. The Baltics region has only one oil refinery, Lithuania's 263,000-bbl/d Mazeikiai refinery, which sells its products in Lithuania and Estonia and is jointly owned by the Lithuanian government and Russia's Yukos oil company. The refinery underwent modernization in September 2003 enabling the refinery to produce higher grade gasoline compliant with EU standards.[Ekodoma]
Gas:
Natural gas supply is regulated by the state and is provided by JSC “Latvijas gaze”. The Public Utility Commission of Latvia approves the tariffs for natural gas. The end-user tariffs depend on gas consumption volumes and heavy fuel oil stock quotation at 7900 kkal/m3 calorific value. Starting October 1st, 2008, the new tariffs came into force. According to JSC “Latvijas gaze” yearly report, the volume of sold natural gas in the year 2007 was 1673 millions of m3. 1645 millions of m3 were imported in the same year. Underground storage facility allows keeping deficit-free supply during a year.
58.8% of this volume was sold to the energy sector, 21.7% - to industries, 11.4% - to public utilities, and 8.1% - to households. The active storage capacity of Incukalns underground gas storage site is about 2,3 billion m3, while the potential capacity is estimated around 4,4billion m3.
Dependence on imported fuel is a strong reason for the decision-makers to look for alternatives for energy sector development in the very nearest future. It has been an ongoing discussion from the government and involved ministries on a fuel other than natural gas, which would allow decreasing dependence on imported energy sources, i.e. natural gas. Several options have been evaluated and raised strong debate both in the society and among decision-makers; still, no final decision has been made.
The system of natural gas supply in Latvia includes 1281km of main and 4549 km of distribution pipelines. . The larger consumers of natural gas are: heat generation approx. 60%, industry approx. 25%, other consumer approx. 15%. Riga region accounts for 82% of the total natural gas consumption of Latvia. Natural gas is not used at all in Latgale region with the exception of Daugavpils city and Preili region. In Kurzeme, the highest gas consumption is in Liepaja approx. 11%, In Zemgale region – Jelgava and Bauska region approx. 4%. [Enerdata, Ekodoma]
Coal and lignite
Coal:
Coal and coke is imported from Poland and other nearby countries. Coal consumption has increased from 102 thousands tons in 2002 to 162 thousand tons in 2007.
Peat
The lands with peat cover approximately 10% of Latvia's territory, with the heavy concentration in the eastern plains near Riga. The total reserve of peat is approximately 1.5 billion tonnes. Still, the consumprion has decreased from 100 thousand tons in 2002 to 9 thousand tons in 2007.
Renewable energy
The structure of renewable energy sources in the year 2005 looked as following: 16,5% - hydro resources, 82,9% - wood resources, 0.28% - wind resources, and 0.42 – biogas.
Total share of RES was 34.5%. RES are used for both power and heat production. Currently the share of renewable energy (hydro) in the total electricity production is about 88 %. The rest is produced by wind, biomass, and biogas.
Biomass it the biggest resource for heat production in Latvia, mostly outside large towns. According to the State Revenue Service's data, biofuels accounted for 0.22 % of the total fuel used for transport in Latvia in 2006. In 2006, 71 % of the biodiesel and 93 % of the bioethanol produced in Latvia was exported to EU Member States.
State support for RES (incl., biogas) electricity generation is introduced in Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.503 “Regulations on Electricity Generation from Renewable Energy Sources”. The regulation sets a number of criteria for biogas electricity producers to apply for electricity mandatory purchase and to guarantee that electricity producer will be able to sell the electricity for a certain price. The price depends on the source of RE and the capacity of installation. The regulation defines annual quota for mandatory procurement of hydropower, wind power, biomass, and biogas, and tendering scheme for wind farms. Regulations also determine the formula for calculation of sale price for electricity amount produced from biogas for 10 years starting from the first day of biogas plant operation.
Furthermore, electricity produced in cogeneration plants (CHP) with a specific efficiency ratio from renewable energy sources is sold in the framework of compulsory electricity purchase system. In case of CHP, the tariffs are calculated according to the formulas specified in the Regulations Nr. 921 „On Regulation on electricity production in cogeneration cycle“ and as well as in this case – as for regulation 503, based in function of natural gas prices multiplied by several factors. However, in case of CHP there are no quota restrictions, and the purchase price differs on capacity of installations only.
RES use is also supported by the structural funds – draft regulation of the Cabinet of Ministers is submitted to EC on development of CHP plants using RES. The forecasted support for the construction of new and the reconstruction old CHP plants is 17 345 200 lats (€ 24 679 996). It is expected that financing beneficiaries will be authorized providers of public services. The minimum support volume is 100 000 lats (€ 142 287), the maximal amount is 4 000 000 Lats (5 691 487 Euro). According to the opinion of the representatives of the Ministry if Economy, the utilisation of RES alone will not able to solve the energy security challenge of the country. Still, the set individual target in Latvia is a share of 42% by 2020.[Ministry of Economy]
Hydropower
Current Status
In the year 2008, hydropower accounted for 88% of the total electricity generating capacity. The total produced hydroelectricity was 4127 GWh in 2007.
There are three large HPPs in the Daugava cascade, and about 150 small HPPs in Latvia.The purchase price laid down in the law corresponding to the double average sales tariff of electricity has stimulated rapid process of renovation of small HPP with the attraction of private and foreign capital. Small HPPs can be divided in two main categories: renovated small HPP, in places where there were power stations before World War II and in newly established ones. In 2005 small hydro power stations produced approx. 58249,9 MWh. The recent development of new small hydro stations has slowed down because of two reasons: the end of double-tariff period and better environmental impact assessments of the respective rivers. [Ekodoma]
Hydro Energy Resource Potential
The economically feasible Hydro Energy Resource Potential is estimated at around 3.9 TWh/a.[EBRD US DoE FE]
Bioenergy
Current Status of Biomass Energy
Biomass is a local fuel that is produced by forests that cover almost 55% of the country’s territory in 2006. Still, only about 10% of the grown woods are used for energy production. According to several studies, there is a great firewood and residue potential form secondary wood, wood industry residues, roadside woods and bushes etc.
In 2008, wood and wood waste products are used in about 700 boiler houses all around Latvia, 300 of which have capacities of more than 1,5 MW. According to the Energy balance of 2002, total fuel wood consumption in Latvia in 2001 was 6 528 thousand cubic meters, which increased to 7 100 thousand cubic meters in 2007. In comparison with 2002 wood resources are being maintained in a more sustainable way and used more carefully including wood residues. Existing resources have been evaluated by the Latvian Biomass Association including roadsides, overgrown agriculturat territories etc. the evaluated availability is apprx. 7,6 millions of cubic meters. [Ekodoma]
Biomass Energy Resource Potential
Biomass, in particular in the form of wood, is the main renewable energy source available in Latvia together with hydro energy resources. Biofuels, biogas, straw are less widespread and less used. Wood is actively used for heat production in district heating and separate boiler houses. More than 50% of existing biomass resources are exported to European and other countries and this is the reason for slow development of this sector. The evaluation of these existing resources which are not utilised (agricultural, residues, sideroad wood) and sustainable forestry which is currently implemented by the State Forest Agency - are a good start for wood source market development. The Potential for Biomass (timber waste) in Latvia is estimated to be 700,000 t/a (4,700 TJ).
It is forecasted that available biogas amount in Latvia will increase by improving the logistics and waste separation practice. In 2008, a number of new biogas projects are being developed and most of them are agricultural biogas projects.. Three biogas stations also operate in Latvia. One of them is a CHP located in Riga that belongs to the wastewater treatment company “Rigas udens” and produces energy of wastewater sludge. Another two cogeneration plants produce energy from landfill gas and are located in Riga and Liepaja. Their total installed capacity is 7.5 MWel.
There are 2 bioethanol production plants, 5 biodiesel plants and 7 rapeseed oil production plants operating in Latvia. Regarding the information provided by Latvian Ministry of Agriculture over the next few years at least 6 new biofuel production plants will be developed. The total annual capacity of biodiesel plants in Latvia in 2006 was around 11 000 t, while bioethanol production units had a capacity of 10 000 t.[Ekodoma]
Wind energy
Current Status of Wind Energy
The total installed capacity in Latvia is about 26 MW, another project for 100 MW installed capacity is under preparation. According to the data from the Renewable Energy Program, technical potential for wind energy production has been estimated at around 1277 GWh, however the practical potential is estimated at 1000 GWh/year and it represents about 2000 MW of wind technical/or economical potential.
Suitable sites for wind energy plants are the West coast and the eastern part of the Gulf of Riga (nearby Ainazi). According to the research results provided by the Ministry of Economy, wind energy potential in Latvia is about 0.8-4.5PJ or 220-1250GWh (2007).
Wind Energy Resource Potential
The potential for developing wind energy alongside the Baltic Sea coastline is very promising. A country wide wind atlas is available. It identifies several areas with annual average wind speeds over 6m/s at 30m height.
The joint operation of wind power plants along with hydropower plants at the Daugava cascade is being considered. According to the research results provided by the Ministry of Economy, wind energy potential in Latvia is about 0.8-4.5PJ or 220-1250GWh (2007).[Ministry of Economy]
Solar energy
Current Status of Solar Energy
The use of solar energy is currently not wide spread in Latvia. Two pilot projects on solar thermal were successfully implemented in Aizkraukle. One project concerns the use of Solar thermal for heating of a Gymnasium School and the other integrated solar thermal in a district heating scheme. Research in the field of solar heating systems is now ongoing in the Institute of Energy Systems and Environment of Riga Technical University. The government does not support the use of solar energy both for thermal and electrical energy generation. Solar energy is practically not mentioned in any governmental documents or strategy plans and no new projects are being developed (Status 2008).
Solar Energy Resource Potential
The solar energy resource potential in Latvia is very small due to the geographic location and the climatic conditions. Solar radiation level in Latvia has similar values than in other Northern European countries, like for example Denmark.[REEEP, EBRD]
Geothermal Energy
Current Status of Geothermal Energy
The main data about Latvian geothermal energy potentials is obtained during scientific research through deep boring. Boring have been made in more than 100 places in Latvia and as a result two anomalies were discovered with border temperature of 570C and 650C. The first anomaly is located in the Central part of Latvia between Jurmala and Eleja, the second is located in the coastal part of the Baltic sea. No projects have been developed for these areas though.
Geothermal Energy Resource Potential
Geothermal energy is becoming more and more popular in Latvia due to constant increase of tariffs for heat energy and electricity. A wide offer of heat pumps is presented on the market predominatly for private use. There is no statistical data available of actual use of this alternative type of energy in households. Total potential for Latvian geothermal energy is evaluated at approximately 175MW. [Ekodoma]
Support Mechanisms and feed-in conditions for electricity from renewable energy sources
Until January 1st, 2003 Latvia had a unique feed-in tariff which was double the average electricity price and which could be purchased for a period of 8 years after grid-connection. This tariff was very successful in promoting RES, especially in the small hydro power sector, where the production increased from 2.5 to 30 GWh in the period between 1996 and 2001.
In 2005, the Latvian Regulator (PUC) approved four new electricity tariff calculation methodologies:
Tariff calculation methodology for heat energy generated in combined heat and power plants (CHPs) and for electricity generated by CHPs with capacity above 4 MW;
- Electricity transmission system service tariff calculation methodology;
- Electricity distribution system service tariff calculation methodology;
- Electricity tariff calculation methodology for captive users.
In February 2005, differentiated service tariffs for the Latvenergo electricity transmission network were approved. These corresponded to ceilings on transmission network service tariffs in 2005.
In May 2005, in accordance with ceilings on distribution network service tariffs specified for the second year of the ongoing tariff review cycle, new and differentiated tariffs for the electricity distribution network were approved. These came into force on July 1, 2005.
In July, 2007 a regulation on “Electricity Generation from Renewable Energy Sources” was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers as a support instrument for RES electricity production. These regulations guarantee purchase of RES electricity for a certain predetermined price (“feed-in” tariff). Regulations also determine the formula for calculation of sale price for electricity amount produced from biogas for 10 years starting from the first day of biogas plant operation. [Laws in Latvia: Likumi]
