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ABOUT THE EVENT

The event “WindWorks. Moving Energy” is the third edition of the wind energy conference that brings together experienced international energy experts, stakeholders and policy makers to shape the future of wind energy in the Baltic states.

Wind energy is a fast-growing energy technology, but to deliver on its vast potential, we need substantial investments, facilitating policies and regulations. Climate neutral technologies and cooperation are key to building a clean, secure and sustainable economy. Countries like Denmark have set an example inspiring others by harnessing wind energy as a cheap and renewable source of energy.

This year the conference is organised by the Latvian Wind Energy Association, Estonian Wind Power Association, Danish Embassy in Latvia and in partnership with Latvian Investment and Development Agency and the Embassy of the Netherlands in Latvia.

Recording 2022

BACKGROUND

In 2022, Europe experienced an unprecedented energy crisis due to geopolitical and climate reasons, which led to sky-high energy prices worldwide. The crisis continues. Hence, quick and efficient solutions need to be put in place. The obvious way of quickly solving the crisis is installing large amount of renewable energy. Wind is among the top choices in the Baltics. But large-scale renewable energy projects create challenges to the system – limited grid and interconnection capacities, lack of storage. A systemic approach is needed.

Offshore wind is the new “big thing” in the Baltics, given the estimated potential in the region – 47 GW. However, without a grid, there is no offshore wind power. Building new interconnectors and power-to-x facilities are key to ensuring that the Baltic region is energy sufficient. Moreover, the large potential makes the Baltic region strategically important for the long-term decarbonisation of Europe and gives the Baltic States the opportunity to play a significant role in speeding up the green transformation of Europe’s energy system.

Denmark is an international pioneer in green transition and has shown that renewable energy is a growth sector of the future. Today, more than half of Denmark´s electricity is powered by wind. With a world-leading wind industry, experiences from Denmark´s green transition over the past several decades may serve as inspiration and a source of know-how.

Programme2023

PROGRAMME

9.00

WELCOME BY TOMS NĀBURGS

CEO, Latvian Wind Energy Association

9.05

EGILS LEVITS

President of the Republic of Latvia

9.10

KADRI SIMSON

European Commissioner for Energy

(TBC)

9.15

LARS AAGAARD

Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities of Denmark

(TBC)

9.20

ANDRIY KONECHENKOV

Chairman of the Board, Ukraine Wind Energy Association

9.35

Panel I
THE NEW ENERGY REALITY

The new geopolitical reality has hit Europe hard. Energy security, affordable and reliable renewable sources are now the priority on the agendas of policy makers. But can we get from words to action right away? What is needed to bridge the intention – action gap? What are the energy generation plans in the Baltics, is the focus now on offshore wind energy and what sense and projections can we make out of the large investor interest in the three Baltic States.

- Raimonds Čudars, Minister of Climate and Energy in Latvia (TBC)

- Minister of Economic Affairs and Infrastructure in Estonia (TBC)

- Giles Dickson, CEO, WindEurope

- Toms Nāburgs, CEO, Latvian Wind Energy Association

- Aavo Kärmas, Head of the Management Board, Estonian Wind Energy Association

Moderator: Reinis Āboltiņš, Energy market analyst, Public Utilities Commission, Latvia

10.40

Panel II
BUILDING LEGAL FRAMEWORK BEFORE BUILDING WIND FARMS: ESTONIAN & LATVIAN OFFSHORE EXPERIENCE

All about offshore tendering legal framework – where we are at in Estonia and Latvia, what are the best possible approaches for the two states and what are the expectations by the business? Let’s debate it during the second panel discussion.

Speaker information to follow

11.45

Panel III
GRID ME UP

Grid is the major bottleneck in the Baltic Sea region. The European Commission has anticipated an impressive offshore wind energy potential for the three Baltic states, however, the question remains – how are we going to integrate the energy in the grid and make sure it flows where it’s most needed at the time needed. Let’s talk about the grid limitations, new grid developments, super-grid idea and the energy security aspect (distributed energy generation).

Speaker information to follow

13.30

Panel IV
NO POWER-TO-X, NO PARTY

Renewable energy development requires a systemic change towards energy planning policies and practices. It’s a totally different approach with innovative elements like energy storage. Let’s discuss what system integration innovations are available in the market, what’s most suitable for the Baltics and what has been done so far.

Speaker information to follow

14.30

Panel V
DOWN TO EARTH: ROLE OF PORTS IN OFFSHORE WIND

Ports are a key element in offshore energy developments. It’s where operation and maintenance of offshore wind farms are run, where all offshore wind turbines and other equipment get transported, and where the turbines are assembled. And they will have a prominent role in the production and distribution of renewable hydrogen. Are the Baltic ports ready for the estimated offshore wind potential?

15:55

PANEL VI
BEING PART OF THE OFFSHORE SPIEL: OPPORTUNITIES

Installing a windfarm doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a long and complicated permitting and building process with many involved stakeholders. It’s a process that can constantly be improved and optimized, so shall we discuss what are the needs of the industry and how can the great tech minds and businesses of Latvia and Estonia help provide elements in the supply chain?

16.50