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Today, on 17 October, Latvenergo AS marks the festive opening for the start of construction of the wind farm in Telšiai, Lithuania, by laying a symbolic time capsule in its foundations. It is expected to start producing renewable energy for the market of the Baltic states in 2026, with the proceeds going to the budget of Latvia. This event confirms the strategic commitment of Latvenergo to continue its leadership as a renewable energy merchant in the Baltic states by using three resources – water, sun and wind.

At the beginning of the year, Latvenergo AS acquired the Telšiai wind farm project of Utilitas Wind, with a symbolic capsule of the project being laid today. It is expected to start generating 124 megawatts (MW) of wind power in the first quarter of 2026. 20 state-of-the-art Vestas 6.2 MW wind turbines will be installed within the framework of the project, which will provide electricity equivalent to the annual consumption of more than 125,000 households.

At the same time, the strategic objective of Latvenergo Group is to develop 2.3 GW of new renewable energy generation capacity across the Baltic states, adding 130 MW to the renewable energy portfolio by the end of 2024 and 600 MW – by the end of 2026, which is more than the combined capacity of the Riga and Ķegums HPPs. Therefore, the Telšiai project is an important step towards the sustainable development of the energy sector of Latvia, as well as an increase in renewable energy capacity.

“We are the leading renewable energy producer in the Baltic states, and we are ready to further consolidate this position, as we have developed key renewable energy resources – hydropower, solar and wind power projects. This is specifically an important day for wind, as the Telšiai Farm is another step towards the achievement of the goals of the long-term growth of the company and green energy generation. In less than 24 months, modern and efficient equipment that will provide our Baltic market with clean and renewable energy will be put into operation,” says Mārtiņš Čakste, Chairman of the Management Board of Latvenergo AS.

It should be noted that Latvenergo experienced rapid growth in Lithuania in 2023, demonstrating the fastest growth in service exports to Lithuania by all Latvian companies operating in the neighbouring country and receiving the “Namejs” award. Solar parks and wind capacities are under development in Lithuania – besides the Telšiai park, the Akmene wind farm will start production in autumn. Although estimates show that Latvia has a high potential for wind energy development – 1,300 MW onshore and 1,000 MW offshore by 2030 – the first high-capacity projects of Latvenergo are being developed in Lithuania. According to European experience, wind power currently generates 272 GW of power in Europe, accounting for around 20% of total electricity consumption and employing around 300,000 people in the sector.

Kaspars Melnis, Minister for Climate and Energy of the Republic of Latvia: “The importance of sustainable renewable energy keeps growing worldwide day by day. The consumption of energy is increasing; therefore, it is important to develop new green electricity generation parks, as every renewable energy source project implemented in our region takes us closer to energy sustainability. It is important in terms of energy security, as well as will ensure lower energy costs for residents and businesses, which is one of the most important aspects in attracting investment and promoting the creation of new jobs.”

“Our geographical location is favourable for the development of renewable energy. Lithuania, together with Latvia and Estonia, which share the Baltic Sea coast, has a relatively small economy but a large potential in renewable energy. I am pleased that the second wind farm project to be developed by our neighbouring country, Latvia, will contribute to increasing our national electricity generation and strengthening our energy independence,” says Daiva Garbaliauskaitė, Vice Minister of Energy in Lithuania. According to the Vice Minister, every project of this magnitude also contributes significantly to the implementation of the Green Deal policy – by developing renewable energy resource projects and creating a favourable regulatory environment, we are not only aiming for 100% clean energy consumption by 2030, but we are also securing sustainable growth for business and industry.

The construction work will be managed by Utilitas Wind until completion, while the wind turbines will be manufactured, supplied and assembled by Vestas, the global leader in wind turbine manufacturing. The construction infrastructure works, including the construction of access roads, cable networks and assembly sites, will be provided by Merko statyba UAB. The total construction cost of the project is estimated at around EUR 200 million.