Latvia: Sustainability Updates No.9

The Introduction of the Guarantee of Origin System for Biomethan

A key milestone in the country's sustainable development is the implementation of the guarantee of origin system for #biomethane. This marks the second step out of three towards ensuring traceability of energy resources from renewable sources. With #electricity and #biomethane already in place, we eagerly await a decision on #hydrogen.

In Europe, there is a growing demand for gas produced from renewable energy sources, such as biomethane.

According to the Energy Law, starting from July 1, 2023, Conexus Baltic Grid AS is the issuing body for guarantee of origin (GoO) certificates in Latvia.

What is a guarantee of origin certificate?

A guarantee of origin certificate is an electronic document issued to provide assurance that a specific unit of energy, such as one megawatt-hour (1 MWh), has been produced from renewable energy sources.

Conexus issuing and managing guarantee of origin certificates in accordance with the European Energy Certificate System (EECS) developed by AIB - Association of Issuing Bodies .

Conexus ensures the establishment, monitoring, and maintenance of the electronic registry for guarantee of origin certificates, where data related to these certificates is recorded, stored, and processed. This system allows for the identification, registration, and reliable #verification of renewable energy sources. Source: conexus.lv/izcelsmes-apliecinajumi

Balticovo Strengthens Energy Independence with Biomethane Plant

Balticovo AS a leading poultry company, recently laid the foundation for a biomethane production facility in Iecava, Latvia. This new plant aims to convert biogas into biomethane, contributing to the country's energy independence and circular economy principles. With investments totaling around €10 million, the factory is set to begin operations in November. Additionally, "Balticovo" has already invested €12 million in wastewater treatment and bird manure processing, where biogas is also produced. The CEO, Vladimirs Mhitarjans, highlights that biomethane offers a renewable alternative to natural gas, with plans to produce 100 gigawatt hours annually. The company aims to further expand its green energy initiatives in the future. Source: jauns.lv/raksts/bizness/balticovo-biometana-un-saskidrinata-oglekla-dioksida-rupnicas-izveide-investes-desmit-miljonus-eiro

Exploring the Potential of Hydrogen at a Local Level

A discussion titled "Hydrogen - Its Local Possibilities" took place in Valmiera, Latvia, during the Energy Efficiency Week in June. The event focused on the utilization of hydrogen in the transportation sector, highlighting its potential despite being an unfamiliar energy carrier in Latvia. Experts emphasized that #hydrogen production technologies are already available and the challenge lies in finding the most effective ways to utilize them.

Various organizations and representatives, including the Latvian Hydrogen Association , Latvian Wind Energy Association , and planning regions, participated in the discussion, presenting ongoing hydrogen projects in Latvia and Vidzeme. The conversation also touched upon the timing of the hydrogen opportunity, considering the increasing investments in renewable energy and the potential surplus of electricity in the future. The region of Vidzeme emphasized the use of hydrogen in transportation and potentially in the industry.

The event concluded with the importance of developing hydrogen as an alternative energy source to ensure energy security and sustainability in Latvia, aligning with the country's climate goals.

The projects HyTruck and H2Value have been initiated to develop strategies for establishing hydrogen refueling stations and testing hydrogen capabilities in transport vehicles.

H2Value project will test hydrogen's capabilities as a fuel in the transportation sector using real test vehicles such as a public bus in the Estonian city of Tartu and a waste hauler truck operated by Gints Kukainis in Vidzeme.

Source: zaao.lv/valmiera-diskute-par-udenraza-potencialu-latvija-un-vidzeme/

Largest Solar Power Plant Under Construction in Sigulda District

A new solar power plant, funded with 2.5 million euros, is being built in In?ukalns, Sigulda district. The largest of its kind in the area, the In?ukalns solar power plant is owned by local investment company Merito Partners . The project involves the construction of eight power plants in Latvia, with Saules Energy providing expertise. The site will be covered with 5,600 solar panels, have a capacity of 3.1 megawatts (MW) and is expected to produce at least 3,300,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year. The Sigulda Municipality supports the development of environmentally friendly technologies and sees this investment as a step towards reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The plant is expected to begin operating this year. Source: nra.lv/latvija/regionos/incukalna-pagasta-top-lidz-sim-lielaka-saules-elektrostacija-siguldas-novada

Latvijas Pasts Revamps Fleet with Eco-Friendly Vehicles, Reducing CO2 Emissions

Latvijas Pasts , the national postal service of Latvia, has embarked on a major fleet modernization initiative. Since March of this year, the company has gradually added over 340 new vehicles to its fleet, all of which are environmentally friendly. This move signifies the company's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and contributing to a greener future.

It is worth mentioning that alongside the new vehicles, the postal department in Valka has also introduced a modern electric bicycle. Furthermore, in other regional postal branches, the gradual distribution of the new vehicles to facilitate deliveries is underway.

Calculations indicate that the company will manage to reduce #CO2emissions by an impressive 75.75 tons per year, constituting a 28.58% decrease.

The selected model for postal workers, vehicles features a 1.5-liter gasoline engine and an automatic transmission. Source: ziemellatvija.lv/valkas-un-smiltenes-novada-pastnieki-pie-klientiem-dodas-ar-jauniem-spekratiem/