by MĀRIS ĶIRSONS
Construction in full swing
“Access roads have been built, the foundations for all 16 wind turbines are complete, and tower installation is underway for 10 of them”, explains Kaspars Novickis, board member of Laflora Energy. Equipment from Nordex – including rotors and blades – is being transported from Ventspils Freeport to the site. Work has also started on a 110 kV substation and a 12.5 km high-voltage line connecting the wind park to Latvia’s grid via the Miezīte substation. “Full-scale installation of the Nordex turbines will begin in September and is scheduled for completion in early 2026. We plan to start test operations in April 2026”, Novickis says
Towers built in Latvia
Each turbine will stand 179 meters tall, with 120 meters made of precast concrete segments produced locally at Consolis Latvia. “Nordex invested in equipment and production technology to enable the manufacturing of these towers specifically for this project”, according to Novickis. Including blades, the total height will reach 266.5 meters – the tallest in the Baltics – allowing energy production even at lower wind speeds and increasing efficiency compared to smaller turbines. The Kaigu Bog project will be Latvia’s largest wind park to date. “More than 14 local companies are involved, benefiting construction, transport, and service providers. Once operational, Jelgava Municipality will receive about €272,000 annually – or €8 million over the park’s planned 30-year life cycle”, adds Novickis.
Connected to the grid by spring
According to the project timeline, the 16 turbines will be connected to the Latvian grid next spring. “We expect Laflora Energy to start producing electricity by June 2026”, Novickis confirms. Once online, the park will supply about 5% of Latvia’s electricity consumption. “Hydropower can provide up to 40% of annual demand depending on inflows, while solar covers about 6% – a figure that has grown significantly over the past two years. Wind power will help to cover the gap when water levels are low and solar intensity is weak, reducing the need for natural gas in thermal power plants”, he explains.
Next project: Pienava
Construction has also started on the Pienava wind park,where roads and infrastructure are being built for 21 turbine foundations with a total capacity of 147 MW. “These Nordex turbines have 7 MW capacity each, 163-meter rotors, and a total height of 250 meters including blades. They will provide efficient power generation and further strengthen Latvia’s energy balance”, says Novickis.
Foundation for a green industrial zone
According to Uldis Ameriks, Chairman of Laflora’s Board, the Kaigu project is a cornerstone for developing a green industrial zone in the region. Plans include greenhouse complexes for vegetables and forest seedlings, using Latvian peat substrates and supplying European markets. “This would reduce CO₂ emissions from shipping substrates to the Netherlands and return seedlings to Latvia and elsewhere”, Ameriks explains. Affordable, locally generated electricity from Kaigu Bog will be a key enabler. “We aim to attract circular economy businesses and energy-intensive industries to the zone – including, potentially, data centres”, he says in conclusion.
