Sunly, a renewable energy developer based in Tallinn, Estonia, has commenced work on three large-scale solar parks in Latvia. These projects include a 54 MW solar park in Valmiera, a 90 MW solar park in Krāslava, and an 81 MW park in Madona, bringing a combined capacity of 225 MW. Together, these parks will meet the annual electricity consumption of over 118,000 households.
Project Details
- Valmiera Solar Park: This facility will generate 54 MW and is part of Sunly’s commitment to renewable energy.
- Krāslava Solar Park: With a capacity of 90 MW, this park is currently laying foundations for a substation.
- Madona Solar Park: Following a previous 11 MW solar facility, this new project will provide 81 MW of capacity.
Each solar park is designed as a hybrid facility, integrating solar power with wind energy and battery storage. This innovative approach enhances the predictability of energy production while reducing grid connection and operational costs.
Strategic Goals
Priit Lepasepp, CEO of Sunly, emphasized the importance of integrating storage solutions into solar and wind parks. “Continuous technological development is essential if we are to increase security and stability in the energy market in the region,” he stated. The construction is particularly timely as the Baltic states—Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania—prepare to disconnect from the BRELL frequency system, which is controlled by Russia, next February.
Funding and Development Plans
Sunly has secured €300 million ($326 million) in funding from Rivage Investment (France), Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, and Kommunal Landspensjonskasse (Norway) to support its renewable projects in the Baltic region and Poland. The company claims to have 227 MW of solar and wind projects currently operational, with an impressive 20 GW in various stages of development.
Current Solar Capacity in Latvia
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, Latvia had installed 353 MW of solar capacity by the end of 2023. Additionally, plans for a 100 MW solar plant at the port of Riga were unveiled in September, further underscoring the country’s commitment to expanding its renewable energy landscape.
Conclusion
Sunly’s investment in large-scale solar parks in Latvia signifies a significant step toward enhancing renewable energy generation in the Baltic region, contributing to energy independence and sustainability.
Suggested Sources
- Sunly Official Website
- [International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)]
- Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners
