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Renewable energy – Energy Country Profile

Renewable Energy

Wood, biomass and hydro energy are the main renewable sources in Latvia in 2015. More than 50 % of Lativa is covered with wood. Reffering to hydro power, the three main power plants are Plavinas (894 MW), Riga (402 MW) and Kegums (264 MW).

Latvia intends to reach a 40 % share of renewable energy in its final consumption and for nearly 60% of electricity consumption in 2020. Another big target is to reach a share of 50 % of renewable energy in final consumption in 2030.

The outcome of different energy strategies concluded that without additi9nal support, the share of RES in Latvia final consumption at 2020 will be only 36.7 % instead of 40 %. This gap should be closed due to different support schemes and Feed-in tariffs for RES. According to this RES targets a rise in biomass consumption by 31 % and a decline in gas and oil by 32 % are expected between 2010 and 2030. Due to the Energy Strategy of the Ministry of Economics the electrical consumption related to renewables is expected to growth by 24 % (wind power will account nearly half of this consumption) by 2030.

It’s also important to know that Latvia’s Kyoto target was easily achieved since in 2012 GHG emissions were 40 % below their level in 1992. The reduction target of 8 % compared to 1992 was far exceeded.

Last update: 07 2023