There is ongoing uncertainty in Latvia regarding the approval of four proposed wind farms as the government is yet to make a crucial decision.
In early December, the Ministry of Economics of Latvia (KEM) announced that it had received submissions from five project developers requesting the government to make a decision on the approval of wind farm construction, as prescribed by the law on facilitating energy security and independence adopted in 2022. This law mandates that if an environmental impact assessment (EIA) has been conducted and a statement from the State Environmental Department is received, the Cabinet of Ministers has thirty days to decide whether to approve or reject the planned activity.
In December, KEM issued public consultation project orders for three wind parks - 'Kurzeme', owned by Estonian 'Sunly Land Solar 2', 'Aloja', owned by Estonian 'Utilitas Wind', and 'K2 Ventum', indirectly owned by various citizens of Latvia and Lithuania. These wind farm proposals have been awaiting a government decision for several months, creating confusion among entrepreneurs and stakeholders involved in the renewable energy sector.
The situation highlights the challenges faced by Latvia's renewable energy initiatives, particularly in ensuring timely governmental responses and streamlined processes for project approvals. The delay in decisions could hinder the advancement of sustainable energy projects essential for meeting Latviaβs energy needs and environmental commitments, emphasizing the need for clarity and efficiency in the country's decision-making processes regarding renewable energy.
