The Power of Wind for Latvia’s Future

Laura Štrovalde, Deputy Director of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia

Renewable energy – especially wind power – has become one of the “hottest” topics in Latvia’s development plans, and for good reason. Energy independence. Economic growth. Climate neutrality. These are not just catchy slogans – they are prerequisites for Latvia’s future competitiveness. We argue about turbines, but do we see the opportunity? Do we listen to the part of society that is in the opposing – or at least neutral – camp? A public opinion survey conducted at the end of last year shows that people take this issue seriously, even though attitudes differ and are often contradictory.

Residents see greater economic benefits in offshore wind energy

Offshore wind energy can be a tool that both strengthens the country and delivers direct benefits to communities. The survey data mentioned above confirm that residents see potential specifically in offshore wind development: a quarter, or 25%, of respondents would prefer energy generation from an offshore wind park, while only 9% would choose onshore wind park energy. It is possible that the argument in favor of locating wind parks at sea is that it would be one park rather than dozens, and that the installed turbines would be almost invisible – unlike in the case of an onshore wind park.

Surveys conducted regularly by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) confirm that more and more residents see offshore wind energy’s potential as a long-term benefit for the country. This technology ensures more stable electricity generation throughout the year, higher efficiency, and the opportunity to significantly diversify Latvia’s energy portfolio. That means a more secure energy system and new jobs in the regions.

WindEurope data indicates that the offshore wind sector already provides employment for around 100,000 people in Europe, and that a single offshore turbine can supply electricity to as many as 16,000 households. This is not only an environmental issue – it is economics.

Benefits that are easy to understand for everyone

If we want “greener” energy in the future and investments to develop our economy (and, consequently, a better life for everyone), both LIAA and other institutions must be able to explain why we need this as a country. Public attitudes (and potentially engagement) are also shaped by what benefits specific groups of residents will gain from wind energy. For example, the data show that 43% would support developing an offshore wind park project on the Kurzeme coast if the benefit were for society as a whole; 17% if the benefit were at the national level; 16% would support it if the benefit were personal or for their family; while 6% of respondents believe the beneficiary should be the municipality. But what exactly are the benefits – money in the pocket, a new driveway, a new kindergarten in the neighborhood, or lower electricity prices?

So, the broader the benefit for society, the greater the support. People want to believe that Latvia’s energy policy is not aimed only at the interests of companies or institutions, but at real investment in public well-being. At least, one would like to hope so.

The benefits of renewable energy

It is understandable that everyone wants to feel the benefits of wind energy, and that there should be benefits at the state and municipal level as well – but what exactly should they be, and in what form? The benefits of the upcoming Latvian–Estonian joint project ELWIND could be a major breakthrough for regional development. That means modernized ports, improved infrastructure, and new companies coming into the regions.

Experience elsewhere in Europe shows that offshore wind parks also stimulate additional investment – there is potential to develop new products and services in a variety of fields, for example in wind turbine maintenance and monitoring, cyber protection, the production and storage of new hydrogen technologies and products, as well as transportation; and in the development of energy storage technologies, such as battery solutions. Interest is also growing in using green energy in artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance data centers. In this segment, there is interest in Latvia from several international developers, and the availability of green, competitive electricity is considered one of the key criteria for choosing a location.

As an example, we can mention the planned sustainable aviation fuel plant (SAF), which will be the largest in Northern Europe. Renewable energy is also a key prerequisite for establishing an AI “gigafactory” in Latvia, which has attracted interest from the Finnish technology company Verde in cooperation with international investors. From the renewable energy development perspective, LIAA’s current portfolio includes work with seven developers, encompassing more than 15 renewable energy projects at various stages of development and maturity.

These projects form broader energy and industrial ecosystems in which energy generation, storage, and end-use consumption are closely interconnected. The development of such ecosystems delivers a significant socio-economic contribution: highly qualified jobs are created and regional development is promoted; state budget revenues increase, which can then be invested further in public well-being – healthcare, education, defense, environmental improvements, and infrastructure. Manufacturing and industrial projects also increasingly emphasize the origin of energy as a critical factor, especially highlighting the availability of green, traceable, and long-term competitive electricity.

These issues – wind energy development and its role in the region’s energy security and competitiveness – will be discussed by industry leaders, experts, policymakers, and entrepreneurs at the leading wind energy conference in the Baltics, WindWorks 2026 (on 9 April in Riga). Such conversations are essential for building a shared understanding of the opportunities, challenges, and societal benefits of renewable energy development. The more clearly we can show how wind power can strengthen Latvia’s economy, regions, and people’s well-being, the more convincingly we can seize this opportunity for Latvia’s future. Increasing the share of renewable resources also enhances national security – in today’s geopolitical instability, especially in recent weeks, energy independence and the proximity and availability of energy sources are more important than ever.

Ambitions to be leaders

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize the importance of strengthening our self-confidence as a society. By taking decisive and purposeful steps, Latvia can significantly increase the role of renewables in the economy and strengthen its leadership in the Baltics. In Europe, offshore wind energy is one of the fastest-growing industries, and the Baltic Sea is considered one of the most promising places for its development. Latvia is in a unique starting position. Our opportunity to become a Baltic leader in wind energy is not only a technical project, but also a question of values – a choice in favor of a modern, green, and economically strong country.

LIAA’s surveys signal that residents also have ambitions and that this path is acceptable to society, provided that a fair and understandable distribution of benefits is ensured. Asked whether they would be pleased if Latvia overtook Lithuania and Estonia in wind energy production, 42% of respondents confidently answer “yes”. 21% say “no”, while 37% find it difficult to express an opinion.

In my view, this indicates growing self-confidence and a desire to be energy-competitive. Unfortunately, the sizable “hard to say” share may point to information overload or uncertainty about what exactly such leadership would bring to Latvia. Have we, as a country, clearly defined and communicated this? Our information space is filled with disputes, discussions, objections, myths, and an overall negative background that makes it difficult to see the opportunities.

Wind can be not only a force of nature, but also a driver of Latvia’s growth. ELWIND is much more than just wind turbines at sea. If the benefits are clearly defined and understandable to society, offshore wind projects can become a platform for community growth.