Latvia plans ten new wind parks

The JSC “Latvenergo” and JSC “Latvian State Forests” (LVM) joint undertaking “Latvian wind parks” have been granted the right to acquire building rights in certain forest territories of the State of Latvia in a total of ten municipalities, Latvenergo said November 29.

In order to set up wind power plants with a total capacity of at least 800 megawatts (MW), they together with the related infrastructure will be designed, constructed, and operated on land owned by the State, the management of which is performed by LVM.

Thus, the building rights, for a one-off payment in the amount of EUR 3.14 million, have been received to the territories of Limbaži, Valka, Valmiera, Ķekava, Bauska, Aizkraukle, Ogre, Balvi, Ludza and Ventspils municipalities.

Approximately EUR 154 million will be paid for the building rights over the entire duration of the contract. The areas are subject to an environmental impact assessment.

Latvenergo pointed out that the project of “Latvian wind parks” will create opportunities for other wind energy developers because it is possible to develop the necessary capacities for Latvia only with the help of other private entrepreneurs. It is planned to involve local entrepreneurs in the construction and development of wind farms, which will facilitate opportunities for local entrepreneurs to create and strengthen experience in the processes of supply and maintenance of wind power plants.

It is planned to build wind power plants as far away from populated areas as possible.

For the selection of construction sites of wind farms, wind mapping is performed, evaluating the most appropriate geographical conditions, as well as minimal impact on the environment, landscape, and population.

The total area under exploration accounts for around 40,000 hectares, less than 10% of the amount that LVM fells annually in reforestation felling.

Authors: Eng.LSM.lv (Latvian Public Broadcasting)
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