Today AS “Latvenergo” is laying the foundation stone for the Laflora Energy wind farm, the first and largest example of sustainability, energy security and green energy in Latvia created entirely by Latvian companies – an innovative synergy of local capital and industries. Using local solutions for the first time, construction has begun on 16 wind turbines in the former peat extraction fields of SIA “Laflora” in Kaigu bog, Jelgava municipality. Electricity generation will begin in the summer of 2026. This will be the largest wind farm in Latvia to date, with 108.8 MW of installed capacity. Half of the investment – around 95 million euros – is being channelled into the Latvian economy through orders placed with national companies.

This initiative, unique and strategically significant for Latvia, is built on the capacity and synergy of national companies – AS “Latvenergo” and SIA “Laflora” – providing Latvia with a sustainable and innovative solution in the field of renewable energy, the largest since the construction of the Daugava hydropower plants.

The former “Laflora” peat extraction fields covering 760 ha in Kaigu bog will be put to new use – with the installation of 16 of the most advanced Nordex wind turbines in the Baltics, with a total installed capacity of 108.8 MW, which will each year supply electricity equivalent to the annual consumption of more than 160,000 households, create jobs, reduce electricity imports and boost the local economy, including by making it possible to develop a green industrial zone here. The wind farm will generate income for the local community – 272 thousand euros a year, or more than 8 million euros over the farm's operating lifetime.

Once the wind farm is completed, some of the renewable energy will be purchased by “Laflora” for the development of a green industrial zone of regional significance for Zemgale in the Kaigu bog owned by the company. The wind farm and the green industrial zone, covering more than 100 ha, will not only allow the former peat extraction areas of Kaigu bog to be restored, but will also give the region's emission-intensive companies the opportunity to move towards climate neutrality. A green industrial zone of this kind will be created in Latvia for the first time. Together with its innovative technologies, the Laflora Energy wind farm is a model for green energy projects.

Half of the investment, or 95 million euros, will go into the Latvian economy through substantial orders placed with a number of national companies. The development and construction of the farm are also being handled by national companies – SIA “Windy”, SIA “UPB Nams” and SIA “Forma 2”. The construction of the farm therefore boosts the local economy and employment with new jobs, particularly because, for the first time in Latvia's history, some of the wind turbine towers will be manufactured here in Latvia at the new SIA “Consolis Latvija” plant. The technological solution – hybrid towers made of reinforced concrete and steel – is not only innovative but also sustainable, as it reduces the carbon footprint by 40% compared with conventional turbine towers.

As those present stressed at the event, the laying of the foundation stone for the Laflora Energy wind farm is a historic moment that demonstrates the ability of Latvian companies to work together and create sustainable solutions for Latvia's future. This project is not only a significant step towards strengthening Latvia's energy independence and national security, but also proof that local industry can be competitive and innovative at a global level.

Mārtiņš Čakste, Chairman of the Board of AS “Latvenergo”: “Today, in the literal sense, the foundation has been laid for a very important direction in Latvian energy – wind power. It is here, in Kaigu bog, that our country's largest and most modern wind farm, Laflora Energy, is taking shape. This moment is symbolic, because it was on 22 May that the foundation stone of the Ķegums power station was also laid. Development, innovation and harmony with nature – that is still what drives Latvenergo as it develops electricity generation facilities that are indispensable to Latvia. Even now, during construction, Laflora Energy is delivering benefits to our country's economy, and we expect it to bring still more for the whole of society once it begins operating next year. With this farm, Latvenergo's new generation portfolio is taking shape, where, alongside water and solar energy, the use of wind energy is now growing as well. Just as the poet Imants Ziedonis once wrote: “I am still young. I want to start over. I still very much like the wind,” for us too the wind is not merely a resource – it is a source of inspiration. May the wind always fill Laflora Energy's sails!”

Uldis Ameriks, Chairman of the Board of SIA “Laflora”: “With this project we are effectively continuing to bring responsible bog management to life on the bog land we own. By purchasing the renewable energy generated at the wind farm, we will be able to develop the Laflora green industrial zone in Kaigu bog. This will allow “Laflora” not only to offset the emissions created by peat extraction and processing, but also to move towards climate neutrality as a company. It is important that this opportunity will also be offered to other emission-intensive production facilities in the circular economy and high value-added sectors, making this a sustainability project for the Zemgale region and for the whole of Latvia. In addition, the industrial zone will make it possible to preserve the existing more than 300 jobs and to create just as many new ones. This truly is an innovative synergy between industries and an outstanding achievement by Latvian companies.”

“The laying of the foundation stone for the “Laflora Energy” wind farm is a significant step on Latvia's path towards energy independence and a greener future. This project is proof of how we are able to join forces to create technologically innovative and environmentally friendly solutions. It is an investment not only in infrastructure, but also in our shared security, our economy and the achievement of climate neutrality targets,” stressed Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis.

Construction costs are projected at approximately 185 million euros. The realisation of the project will strengthen Latvia's energy security by reducing electricity imports and expanding Latvenergo's renewable generation portfolio. At the same time, as already mentioned, half of the investment stays within the Latvian economy, with local companies involved in building the farm.

The Latvenergo group continues to actively develop renewable energy projects throughout the Baltics, with the aim of reaching 2.3 GW of additional generation capacity. By the end of 2026 it plans to increase its renewable energy portfolio by 1000 MW.

The Laflora Energy wind farm belongs to SIA “Laflora Energy”, a subsidiary of AS “Latvenergo”. Construction of the wind farm is being managed by the peat extraction and processing company SIA “Laflora” in cooperation with SIA “Windy” and SIA “Forma 2”. The construction work is carried out by SIA “UPB Nams”.