However, there is one nuance. Using peat for energy production contradicts the European Union's Green Deal. The European Union, having studied the amount of carbon dioxide emissions coming from peatlands, has assessed Latvian peat as being as harmful a fossil fuel as coal. Therefore, EU leadership is demanding that Latvia limit peat extraction by 2030. It considers the existence of such an industry unacceptable, even though Latvia currently uses only 5% of extracted peat as fuel, exporting the remaining 95% in the form of pressed briquettes for horticultural needs.

I believe that in the current situation, where our survival is at stake, the authorities could approach the EU leadership with an appeal to at least briefly put the brakes on the “Green Deal” and allow us to use the resources that we actually have available. Moreover, the European Commission itself is calling on EU member states to find ways to achieve greater independence from Russia in the field of energy.

 

Therefore, give us the freedom to act! After all, even Germany, which recently announced its intention to get rid of coal, is now, on the contrary, increasing coal purchases from the USA. The question is – why is peat any worse? It isn't. Furthermore, it has great potential. It is not for nothing that Andris Šķēle has already spoken about the construction of a peat-based thermal power plant, while the well-known Latvian peat specialist Ansis Šnore believes that thanks to energy peat, Latvia could gain the equivalent of the Pļaviņas Hydroelectric Power Plant.

There is another extremely important point. If currently 65 companies employing 5,000 Latvian residents are engaged in peat extraction and processing here, with the expansion of the industry, that number could increase significantly, and the sector could bring millions to the country. After all, peat can be used for more than just burning. It is also possible to obtain synthetic fuel from it using the Fischer-Tropsch process. If the top layer of peat is treated with sulphuric acid, we obtain a hydrolysate, which is an excellent medium for cultivating fodder yeast. This yeast is a great and ecological feed additive for livestock and poultry; this is very important in the current conditions of feed shortages.

It is possible to obtain peat wax from peat, which is used in the production of high-precision models in casting, plastics, lubricants, polishing agents, and in the production of high-quality varnishes and household chemicals. It is also in demand in the medical sector. It is possible to produce and sell it.

The main thing is that with the help of peat, it is possible to solve the problem of heat and large bills for at least 300 years. Only the political will of our authorities is required.

Whether such a will will appear is the big question. For the destruction of our peat industry, the EU has already promised Latvia compensation in the amount of 191 million euros, which the authorities can dispose of at their own discretion.

This is a ridiculous sum, considering that in three years Latvia has earned 600 million euros from peat. But, unfortunately, there is no guarantee that someone won't find it a very tempting offer. Everything depends on us: 93% of peat bogs belong to the state, which leases them to producers.

Ultimately, the final word lies with K. Kariņš and his team. It is precisely on them that it depends today whether we will face an energy crisis or be able to overcome it with minimal losses. If the government is truly thinking about the future of Latvia and the welfare of its residents, rather than about the development of euro-funds, the choice is obvious...
Opinion first published on facebook