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Today, Latvenergo AS lays the foundation stone for Laflora Energy wind farm, which is the first and largest example of sustainability, energy security and green energy in Latvia created exclusively by Latvian companies – an innovative synergy of local capital and industries. For the first time, the construction of 16 wind turbines on the former peat mining fields of Laflora SIA in Kaigi Bog, Jelgava Region, has started with the use of local solutions. The generation of electricity will start in summer 2026. This will be the largest wind farm in Latvia to date, with an installed capacity of 108.8 MW. Half of the investment – approximately EUR 95 million – is invested in the Latvian economy through orders placed with domestic companies. 

This unique initiative, which is strategically important for Latvia, is the result of the power and synergy of national companies – Latvenergo AS and Laflora SIA – eventually providing Latvia with a sustainable and innovative solution in the renewable energy sector, the largest since the construction of the Daugava HPPs.

The former Laflora peat extraction fields in Kaigi Bog, with a total area of 760 ha, will be reused by installing 16 cutting edge Nordex wind turbines that are the most advanced in the Baltic states with a total capacity of 108.8 MW, which will provide electricity equivalent to the annual consumption of more than 160 000 households, create jobs, reduce electricity imports and boost the local economy by, among others, providing the opportunity of developing a green industrial zone. The wind farm will generate income for the local community in the amount of EUR 272,000 per year, or more than EUR 8 million over the lifetime of the wind farm.

After the wind farm is completed, Laflora will purchase part of the renewable energy for the development of a green industrial zone of regional importance for Jelgava Municipality in Kaigi Bog, owned by the company. The wind farm and the green industrial zone of more than 100 ha will not only reclaim the former peat mining areas of Kaigi Bog but will also enable the emission-intensive businesses of the region to move towards climate neutrality. This will be the first example of establishing a green industrial zone in Latvia. Along with its innovative technology, the wind farm of Laflora Energy is a model for green energy projects.

Half of the investment, or EUR 95 million, will be invested in the economy of Latvia by concluding major contracts with a number of domestic companies. The development and construction of the farm is also ensured by national companies – Windy SIA, UPB Nams SIA and Forma 2 SIA. The construction of the wind farm will thus boost the local economy and employment by creating new jobs, especially as some of the wind turbine towers will be manufactured locally in Latvia at the new Consolis Latvija production facility for the first time in the country’s history. The technological solution – hybrid turbine towers made of reinforced concrete and metal – is not only an innovative but also sustainable solution that reduces the carbon footprint by 40% compared to traditional turbine towers.

As the participants emphasised at the event, the laying of the foundation stone of the Laflora Energy wind farm is a historic moment that demonstrates the ability of Latvian companies to collaborate and create sustainable solutions for the future of Latvia. This project is not only an important step towards reinforcing the energy independence and national security of Latvia but also proof that domestic industry can be competitive and innovative on a global level.

Chairman of the Management Board of Latvenergo AS, Mārtiņš Čakste: “Today, the foundations of a very important development in the energy sector of Latvia – wind energy, have literally been laid. It is here, in Kaigi Bog, that Laflora Energy is building our country’s largest and most advanced wind farm. This moment is symbolic because the foundation stone of the Ķegums power plant was also laid on 22 May. Development, innovation and harmony with nature – this is still the driving force of Latvenergo in the development of power plants that are indispensable to Latvia. Already now, during construction, Laflora Energy is contributing to our national economy, and we expect even more benefits for society as a whole when we start operating next year. This wind farm is the foundation of Latvenergo’s new generation portfolio, where, as of today, the use of wind power is growing alongside hydropower and solar energy. As the poet Imants Ziedonis once wrote: “I am still young. I want to start again. I still love the wind,” and for us, wind is not just a resource – it is a source of inspiration. May the wind always blow into the wings of Laflora Energy!”

Uldis Ameriks, Chairman of the Management Board of Laflora SIA: “By implementing this project, we are actually continuing to implement responsible bog farming on the bog lands owned by us. By purchasing the renewable energy produced by the wind farm, we will be able to develop the green industrial zone of Laflora in Kaigi Bog. This will allow Laflora to not only offset emissions from peat extraction and processing but also move towards climate neutrality. Importantly, this opportunity will also be offered to other emission-intensive producers in the circular economy and high value-added sectors; therefore, this is a sustainability project for Zemgale region and Latvia as a whole. Furthermore, the industrial zone will allow more than 300 existing jobs to be retained and an equal number of new jobs to be created. This is truly an innovative synergy of sectors and an outstanding performance by Latvian companies.”

“The laying of the foundation stone of Laflora Energy’s wind farm is an important step in Latvia’s journey towards energy independence and a greener future. This project is a testament to our ability to join forces to create technologically innovative and environmentally friendly solutions. It is an investment not only in infrastructure but also in our common security, economy and climate neutrality goals,” said Viktors Valainis, Minister of Economics.

Construction costs are estimated at around EUR 185 million. The implementation of the project will strengthen the energy security of Latvia by reducing electricity imports and increasing the renewable generation portfolio of Latvenergo. At the same time, as already mentioned, half of the investment stays in the economy of Latvia by collaborating with local companies in the construction of the farm.

Additional information:

Latvenergo Group continues to actively develop renewable energy projects across the Baltic states, with the objective of reaching 2.3 GW of additional generation capacity. By the end of 2026, the RES portfolio is expected to increase by 1,000 MW.

The wind farm of Laflora Energy is owned by the subsidiary of Latvenergo AS – Laflora Energy SIA. The construction of the wind park is being managed by the peat extraction and processing company Laflora SIA in collaboration with Windy SIA and Forma 2 SIA. Construction works are carried out by UPB Nams SIA.