The majority of residents support the development of wind energy in Latvia

Wind energy is one of the most promising solutions for Latvia's energy independence and climate neutrality, and there is general support for its use among the Latvian population. For example, a survey conducted by “Norstat Latvia” shows that 62% of respondents support or somewhat support the development of wind energy in Latvia through the development of wind parks.

Interestingly, greater support for wind energy development in Latvia is observed among the younger audience aged 15–34, residents of Riga, and individuals with a personal monthly income of €1501 or more after taxes. Lower support is observed among residents aged 55–75.

A particularly significant result of the survey is related to energy independence – 83% of respondents believe that Latvia’s energy independence from other countries to be very important or rather important. More than others, energy independence matters more to men, residents of the Zemgale and Vidzeme regions, as well as those living in small towns or rural areas.

“Offshore wind energy is currently a rapidly growing sector across Europe. The upcoming offshore wind park ELWIND presents an opportunity to reduce the country’s dependence on imported energy resources and to stimulate economic growth. Moreover, its use provides clean, sustainable, and economically beneficial energy, also helping to reduce CO2 emissions,” believes Deputy Director of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) Laura Štrovalde.

The survey also gathered residents' opinions on the most suitable locations for wind parks. Overall, 70% consider the sea to be entirely or rather suitable place for the development of wind energy parks. This is followed by agricultural land with 43%, and forests with 24%, respectively.

When evaluating the idea of building a wind park in the sea off the coast of Kurzeme, the majority of residents – 58% – expressed their support. Meanwhile, 23% of residents are opposed to the idea, and nearly one-fifth (19%) were unable to give an opinion on the matter.

The results of the survey indicate that Latvian society supports the move towards sustainable and independent energy production, particularly recognizing the potential benefits of wind energy. Looking to the future, 40% highlight lower electricity prices, 35% view the creation of new jobs during wind park construction positively, while 29% believe that the electricity produced could be exported.

The survey was conducted in February 2025, commissioned by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia. The survey questions and more detailed data in Latvian can be found: https://www.liaa.gov.lv/lv/media/13676/download?attachment
 

About ELWIND

ELWIND is a cross-border project between Latvia and Estonia for the construction of an offshore wind park in the Baltic Sea. It is an ambitious and environmentally friendly renewable energy project with a combined capacity of up to 2 GW, which will increase the energy independence and security of the region and keep energy prices reasonable, thus reducing costs for businesses and households. In addition, it will create new business opportunities. ELWIND will help to fill the gap in domestic large-scale renewable energy production and contribute to a better functioning open energy market. The offshore wind park is expected to be built and operational by 2035.

The pre-development work for the ELWIND project will end in 2029 with a planned auction in which the right of use of the offshore wind site will be transferred to a qualified developer. The ELWIND project is implemented by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia and the Estonian Environmental Investment Centre in cooperation with the Ministry of Economics of the Republic of Latvia and the Ministry of Climate of the Republic of Estonia.