Peat extraction and processing company Laflora presents the idea of a renewable energy oasis or green industrial zone in Kaigu mire, Jelgava municipality, which will be based on the wind farm to be developed by the company.
The idea was presented in the seminar “Wind energy in Latvia: potential and reality”, organized on 19.08.2020 by Baltic International Renewable Energy Association and the European Commission Representation in Latvia.
Laflora presentations (in Latvian):
In Kaigu Mire, Jelgava municipality, in Laflora former peat extraction sites where peat extraction has completed, it is planned to create a wind farm with a total capacity of 90 MW. It will be able to produce about 5% of the total annual electricity consumption in Latvia, or 300 000 MWh. The wind farm will allow to ensure the after-use, or economically justified further use of post-harvested peatlands. It will also be a compensatory measure for greenhouse gas emissions caused by peat extraction and processing by Laflora. During the year, the wind farm will save 112 000 T CO2 compared to electricity produced using natural gas in thermoelectric power plant, allowing the company to become completely climate-neutral.
It is planned to use the “green” energy produced in the wind farm for the company's own consumption in the peat substrate production factory and in technological processes, as well as to create an oasis of renewable energy – a green industrial zone in Kaigu Mire.
Renewable energy oasis or green industrial zone
An oasis of renewable energy, or green industrial zone, will be established by creating greenhouse complexes for growing vegetables and tree seedlings for local consumption and export, by attracting innovative high-intensity and value-added production units, producing high-tech bioeconomy products, and, finally, producing renewable hydrogen.
"Wind energy is the present day. Clean, or renewable hydrogen, which we will be able to produce from our own wind energy, is tomorrow. There are fantastic opportunities for climate-neutral industry, as well as for the development of Jelgava municipality and the whole Zemgale Region. Moreover, this idea is in line with the goals of the EC Green Deal and the Just Transition Mechanism, as well as the EC Hydrogen Strategy,” says Uldis Ameriks, Chairman of the Board of Laflora.
Ziedonis Caune, Chairman of Jelgava Local Municipality Council, says: “The company's intention to create a wind farm in extracted peat bogs causes a real gratifying in the municipality. At first, it is sustainable thinking from the point of view of the company's development. Secondly, the project development process, the discussion of its intention with the residents, has so far mostly received support. It is appreciated by the local government as a positive example, taking into account that there are various public attitudes towards wind turbines in the Latvian landscape. Thirdly, according to the calculations for the produced electricity capacity, the company will create development potential not only for the municipality, but also for the suburban area. In addition, the project design allows us to believe that the company will be able to become a powerful developer of other business plans, working with new or existing entrepreneurs.”
The construction of the wind farm is planned to start in 2022. A public consultation on the recent environmental impact assessment will be launched in the coming months. More: HERE. Meanwhile, the oasis of renewable energy is a project of the next decade.
Laflora is one of the largest peat extraction and processing companies in Latvia, which has been producing peat substrates for horticulture, forestry and agriculture since 1995.
Additional information: Anda Zakenfelde, Public Relations Manager of the Peat Extraction and Processing Company “Laflora”, +371-26539348, anda.zakenfelde@laflora.lv , www.laflora.lv
