Ignitis Launches Latvia's Largest Solar Park at 94 MW

• Ignitis Renewables' 94-MW Varme solar park in Latvia powers 40,000 homes, marking the Baltic's largest PV installation and boosting regional solar capacity.

Lithuania's Ignitis Renewables has launched its first solar project in Latvia, the 94-MW Varme solar park in Kuldīga district, marking the largest utility-scale PV installation in the Baltic state. The plant, covering 110 hectares with 156,000 photovoltaic panels, will supply green electricity to over 40,000 households annually. The project, completed three months ahead of schedule, was facilitated by collaboration with Latvian grid operator Augstsprieguma Tīkls and favorable weather conditions.

The Varme park contributes to Ignitis Renewables' operational solar capacity exceeding 500 MW across the Baltic region and Poland. The plant's power feeds into Latvia’s Nord Pool zone under a 20-year contract, providing stable revenue. Ignitis is considering a 50-MWh battery addition to enhance output and income. The project utilized local resources, with Lithuanian-made trackers and 120 Latvian workers. Ignitis plans to apply insights from Varme to a 200-MW solar-plus-wind hybrid project nearby, aligning with Latvia's goal to double solar capacity to 1 GW by 2027.

How does the Varme solar park impact Latvia's renewable energy goals and local economy?

• Advancement of Renewable Energy Goals: The Varme solar park significantly contributes to Latvia's target of doubling its solar capacity to 1 GW by 2027, marking a substantial step towards achieving national renewable energy objectives.
• Reduction in Carbon Emissions: By supplying green electricity to over 40,000 households, the park helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels, thereby decreasing carbon emissions and supporting Latvia's climate commitments.
• Energy Independence: The project enhances Latvia's energy independence by increasing the share of domestically produced renewable energy, reducing reliance on imported energy sources.
• Economic Growth: The construction and operation of the Varme solar park stimulate local economic growth by creating jobs and utilizing local resources, such as employing 120 Latvian workers and using Lithuanian-made trackers.
• Technological Innovation: The potential addition of a 50-MWh battery storage system represents a move towards integrating advanced technologies, which can optimize energy output and provide a model for future projects.
  
• Regional Collaboration: The collaboration with Latvian grid operator Augstsprieguma Tīkls exemplifies successful regional partnerships, which can be leveraged for future renewable energy projects.
• Long-term Revenue Stability: The 20-year contract for feeding power into Latvia’s Nord Pool zone ensures stable revenue, which can be reinvested into further renewable energy developments.
• Knowledge Transfer: Insights gained from the Varme project will inform the development of a nearby 200-MW solar-plus-wind hybrid project, promoting innovation and efficiency in future renewable energy initiatives.