How can wind and solar power projects help Latvia?

Bringing wind and solar power projects online will also help reduce Latvia’s dependence on natural gas imports and can contribute to lower electricity prices; current efforts to develop offshore wind will support this outcome.

Can Latvia achieve energy savings by renovating its building stock?

Latvia could achieve considerable energy savings by renovating its building stock. Latvia holds considerable potential to accelerate energy efficiency outcomes in the buildings sector, which will go a long way toward meeting climate targets and lowering energy bills.

Are electricity costs lower in Latvia?

388A simple regression analysis shows that costs were lower in Latvia except for distances lower than [distance] kilometres. For more details on the data used to analyse the costs and the regression analysis, see recital (248). 389Eurostat, electricity prices by type of user – EUR per kWh, for industrial consumers.

Will electricity be the cornerstone of Latvia's energy transition?

Electricity will be the cornerstone of Latvia’s energy transition. Latvia’s hydro-dominated electricity system provides a favourable starting point to use clean electricity to decarbonise other economic sectors and meet the target of 57% renewables in total final consumption by 2030.

What are the financing assumptions for a solar power project?

Financing assumptions assume before-tax cost of debt of 9% and required return on equity of 18%. Reduced financing costs correspond to those estimated for an indicative independent power producer investment in a low-risk environment (3% for debt and 7% for equity). Assumed project size = 50 MW and installation costs = 1 120 USD/kW.

Does Latvia need more decarbonisation?

The electricity sector is dominated by renewables, but more decarbonisation is needed in other sectors. Latvia has already made inroads on the share of renewable energy in its fuel mix, with sizeable shares of bioenergy and hydropower.