RWE and Latvian utility team up for 'untapped potential' joint Baltic Sea wind projects
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RWE and state-owned Latvian utility Latvenergo have teamed up for joint offshore wind projects in the Latvian part of the Baltic Sea.
The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding to develop, construct and operate wind farms at sea, as the Baltic nation targets to increase its currently low wind power capacity of 70MW, all of it onshore, to 800MW by 2030.
“The Baltic Sea wind off Latvia’s shores is a national treasure with untapped potential. Going forward, this will undoubtedly increase the energy independence of Latvia and neighbouring countries, and will enable the export of electricity to the growing European electricity market,” said Latvenergo chief executive Mārtiņš Čakste.
“By effectively harnessing the power of both the Daugava River and the sun, as well as Latvia’s onshore and offshore wind, the country will have its own independent electricity in all types of weather conditions and at lower prices.”
Latvenergo so far generates most of its electricity from hydro power and gas-fired power stations.
“Offshore wind is key to meeting the increasing demand for renewable power in Europe, supporting local industries and creating new, future-proof jobs,” RWE offshore wind CEO Sven Utermöhlen said.
“Together with our partner Latvenergo we are committed to contributing towards delivering Latvia’s offshore wind ambitions – hand in hand with the local communities and supply chain.”
RWE in the Baltic Sea already operates the 48MW Kårehamn offshore wind array in Sweden (RWE share 20%), the 207MW Rødsand 2 array in Denmark (20%), and the 385MW Arkona wind farm in Germany (50%). The company is also in advanced development for the 350MW FEW Baltic 2 wind farm in Poland, and developing the 1.6GW Södra Victoria project off Sweden.
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