How are renewable energy projects implemented in other countries, and how do municipalities collaborate with local communities? What can we learn, and what practical ideas can we adopt when implementing the joint Latvian-Estonian offshore wind energy project ELWIND? In cooperation with the Danish Embassy in Latvia, a trip was organized for municipal representatives and opinion leaders from Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, as well as the ELWIND team, to explore the latest trends in wind and other energy production on-site.
Representatives from the Baltic states visited various Danish municipalities and energy facilities that could serve as models for similar projects in Latvia. This knowledge is also important for the ELWIND team, as Latvia does not yet have offshore wind parks and significant experience in developing them, but offshore wind is an investment in the transition to cleaner and more environmentally friendly energy.
In Viborg municipality the participants were taken to visit the Solar Park Kvosted, a solar park so rationally designed that there is ample space between solar panels for sheep grazing. Similar solutions are already emerging in Latvia as well – such as the self-consumption solar energy park in Iecava by Balticovo, where up to 100 sheep can graze during the summer.
At the Climatorium, an innovative climate centre in western Denmark, the team met with representatives from Lemvig municipality, who shared their approach implementing renewable energy projects. For example, between 1980 and 1990, projects were not planned strategically, as their impact on residents’ daily lives was minimal. However, today, strategic planning is a priority, focused on maximizing societal benefits from such projects. The municipality now evaluates projects through multiple rounds of application reviews to select the most suitable ones. They believe that energy is not “just” energy but goes hand in hand with security and community well-being. ELWIND is also committed to producing safe, environmentally friendly and affordable energy for the prosperity of society.
In Ramme, the delegation visited Skovgaard Energy’s Power-to-Ammonia plant, which was launched on August 26, 2024. Powered by six onshore wind turbines and a 50 MW solar park, surplus energy is converted into CO₂-neutral ammonia, serving as a substitute for fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas. In comparison with various sustainable energy projects in Latvia, it is worth mentioning that Ventspils is planning to produce green hydrogen. The existing ammonia infrastructure can be mentioned as an added value for the development of the project, and Freeport of Ventspils Authority has already signed a contract with PurpleGreen Energy C Ltd to initiate feasibility studies for constructing a green hydrogen plant.
The delegation showed particular interest in the community-developed wind park located in the Thyboron port area. Contrary to common belief, the noise from the turbines is minimal, and it has not disturbed local bird populations. This approach has become increasingly popular in Denmark over the past decade, as renewable energy projects have expanded. To establish the wind farm, the community raised €22.8 million (170 million Danish kroner) by selling shares to individuals residing in municipality of Lemvig. As a result, one in five residents over the age of 18 in the region has become a co-owner of the wind park. The municipality set local community support as a prerequisite for the project, recognizing that many of them would live in the immediate vicinity of the turbines and see them on a daily basis.
Raivis Kalējs, Deputy Chairman for Development of the South Kurzeme Municipality Council, who has also visited the Netherlands to learn about renewable energy projects, welcomes the activities of both local governments and developers in both countries: “It’s no secret that finding the optimal locations for renewable energy production is a lengthy and complex process, as it requires balancing the interests of the state, municipalities, businesses, and local residents. It was invaluable to see and hear how all parties in the Netherlands and Denmark have found common ground for the future. I believe their key to success lies not only in effective communication between all parties but also in the variety of collaboration methods. It must be said that Latvia is currently several decades behind in this area, but by learning from the experiences of other countries, we can certainly bridge this gap in a shorter time.”
On the final day of the trip, the group visited the e-methanol production facility in Kassø, which is about to be commissioned and has already started operating in test mode. The project is led by European Energy, aiming to construct a 50 MW electrolyzer for e-methanol production, intended to yield cost-effective e-fuel. The largest solar park in Northern Europe, with a capacity of 300 MW, is located close to the site.
According to Ģirts Greiškalns, Chairman of the Board of the Latvian Hydrogen Association, there are currently no distinct sources of hydrogen generation in Latvia, but these may develop in the future as a result of the ELWIND project. It is currently the only offshore wind project, which has led to the development of other hydrogen investment projects, such as the Liepaja renewable energy complex and the Fokker Next Gen hydrogen-powered aircraft manufacturing plant.
The trip concluded with a meeting with representatives from Aabenraa municipality to discuss the Kassø e-methanol project and the community’s support for its implementation, along with other citizen engagement projects for renewable energy use in the municipality (including wind farms with a capacity of 84 MW). For example, the municipality and developers provide information about planning renewable energy parks and equipment, fostering dialogue between residents, residents’ councils, politicians, and developers through various meetings. When asked about energy prices, the municipality explained the importance of the supply chain and its security. Following the war in Ukraine in 2022, energy prices spiked sharply, affecting every Danish resident, which further strengthened support for renewable energy.
Several participants stated that the program was diverse and valuable, as they got an opportunity to learn about different approaches implementing projects and communicating with local people, listening to their needs. Environmental enthusiast, host of the radio show Green Corner (Zaļais stūris), and member of the Madona municipality Council Māris Olte, who participated in the visit, shared his thoughts: “You could say we got a glimpse of the future – a future where the energy needs of tomorrow are understood, where we consider our place in the world, and where advanced technology and business approaches are thoughtfully applied. The representatives from Danish municipalities demonstrated that there are challenges, but they can be solved. The most intriguing part now is understanding how the implementation of renewable energy projects will unfold in Latvia, as we’re currently facing a ‘virus’ – the ‘not in my backyard’ mentality. Yet, Latvia has signed agreements committing to certain green deal obligations. We are at the beginning of a long journey.”
A key takeaway is that, with the growing interest from developers in establishing wind and solar parks in specific municipalities, municipalities are taking an increasingly strategic approach, supporting projects that have more support from residents. Improvements to local infrastructure, which can be made by the project developer based on the needs of the local population, are also an added benefit for citizens and municipalities. This can take various forms, such as creating bike paths, roads, parks, sports fields, and more.
Moreover, it’s not only the cost of energy that matters but also the stability and security of supply chains. Often, the benefits to municipalities are indirect, measured more in terms of citizen satisfaction and the creation of new businesses or business niches. ELWIND also anticipates that the development of offshore wind parks will bring along new business and learning opportunities as well as new jobs for the coastal regions.
The 35-member delegation from Latvia included representatives from the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), the Latvian Paragliding Federation, the Pasaules Dabas Fonds (associated partner to World Wildlife Fund), the NGO Green Liberty (Zaļā Brīvība), the RISEBA Faculty of Design, Ventspils and South Kurzeme municipalities, which are already developing and planning renewable energy projects, as well as media and opinion leaders.
