On December 1, at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Norway, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed in the presence of the Minister for Climate and Energy, the Prime Minister's Advisor, representatives of the Ministry of Economics and Liepaja Municipality officials. The MoU between SIA “CIS Liepaja”and SIA “Vindr Latvia” explores long-term renewable energy supply for a newgreen hydrogen production facility in Liepaja. This initiative is a key steptoward one of Northern Europe's largest green hydrogen projects, with plans fora renewable energy facility in the Liepaja Special Economic Zone.
The long-term agreement between the electricity producer and buyer forthe delivery of green energy within a specified period and at an agreed pricewill ensure a stable and predictable energy supply for the buyer, whileallowing the producer to guarantee long-term investment returns in renewableenergy projects. This also provides significant support for the development ofrenewable energy, strengthening Latvia's energy independence, and helpingbusinesses meet decarbonization goals.
As previously reported, SIA "CIS Liepaja," a joint venturebetween Norwegian and Latvian companies, plans to build one of the largest andmost advanced green hydrogen production plants in Northern Europe by 2030 inthe Liepaja Special Economic Zone. The project will involve an investment ofover 550 million euros and will create at least 100 new jobs. The plant isexpected to produce approximately 150,000 tons of green hydrogen per year, witha significant portion to be exported to Germany and other EU member states,supporting Europe’s transition to a carbon-neutral economy. "CISLiepaja" aims to attract EU investments exceeding 1.2 billion euros, withprojected annual revenues exceeding 600 million euros once the project is fullydeveloped.
"Green hydrogen is not just an energy carrier – it is becoming oneof the cornerstones of the green transformation. The global interest inrenewable resources is growing, opening opportunities for Latvia to play asignificant role in the future clean energy economy. In such large-scaleprojects, collaboration between all parties involved is critical. We greatlyappreciate the support from both local and national levels in implementing thisproject. Predictable regulations, stable governance, access to renewableresources, and the proximity to continental European markets, combined with theindustrial strategy for green hydrogen, create an attractive environment todevelop one of Europe’s most competitive and sustainable hydrogenindustries," said Tor Arne Pedersen, CEO and Board Member of SIA "CISLiepaja."
“Vindr is proud to support Latvia’s transition to clean, locallyproduced electricity. Our wind projects in Kurzeme and Latgale will deliverreliable, certified renewable power, create jobs, and stimulate localeconomies, while strengthening energy security and reducing dependence onimports. We are currently developing 900 MW of renewable energy projects inLatvia, this marks our first agreement in the country, committing 150 MW togreen hydrogen production. Through our long-term cooperation with CIS Liepaja,we are helping develop new industries like hydrogen production and contributingto a stronger, greener, and more competitive Latvia. Together, we are turningrenewable energy into a driver of sustainable growth and prosperity for thecountry," emphasized Jan-OlavØderud, CEO and co-founder of SIA "Vindr.
"The green transition is a vital global undertaking, and greenhydrogen plays a pivotal role in this transformation. Norway is proud to be aEuropean leader in green hydrogen production, and projects like thecollaboration between CIS Liepaja and Vindr in Liepaja highlight the strongpartnership between Latvia and Norway. This is a remarkable project for thecooperation of Latvia and Norway, full of energy and potential to driveinnovation, sustainability, and economic growth across the region,"outlined Ine Måreng, the Norwegian Ambassador to Latvia.
New technologies, closely tied to renewable energy resources, openunprecedented opportunities for Latvia’s economic growth, strengthening itsinternational competitiveness and independence. The green hydrogen plant willposition Liepaja as a strong partner and an important node on the Europeaneconomic map.
"Energy independence and energy security are important strategicpriorities for our government. It is essential to work with partners we cantrust—partners who will stand side by side with us for decades. We are pleasedto support CIS Liepaja and Vindr joint project at every step," saidKaspars Melnis, the Minister for Climate and Energy.
Liepaja was selected for the green hydrogen production plant due to theadvantages provided by the port, recommendations from the Norwegian Embassy inLatvia, and the high quality of the business environment. Liepaja offers aunique combination of advantages: stable infrastructure, access to renewableelectricity, freshwater, and industrial land, with the political climatesupporting sustainable industry.
"We are pleased that this project is being implemented in Liepaja,a city that is growing and advancing toward its ambitious goal of becomingclimate neutral by 2030. We have been working together on this initiative forseveral years, and much has already been achieved. The signing of thememorandum of understanding marks one of the major and remarkable milestones onthe path to its full implementation," claimed Uldis Hmieļevskis, Deputy ofLiepaja City Council and CEO of Liepaja Special Economic Zone.
About the Memorandum’s Parties
CIS Liepaja, unitingNorwegian and Latvian companies, is a member of the Norwegian–Latvian Chamberof Commerce and the German–Latvian Chamber of Commerce. Its goal is to promotethe supply of CO₂-neutral energy to the EUinternal market, including the Latvian market. The CIS Liepaja hydrogenproduction project in the Liepāja Special Economic Zone has been recognized asan investment project of strategic national importance.
Vindr was founded in 2019 with thegoal of developing wind energy projects in Norway and Sweden and becoming aleading renewable energy producer in Northern Europe. Since then, it hasexpanded across the Nordic and Baltic regions. Vindr Latvia isdeveloping a portfolio of over 900 MW of onshore wind energy projects, focusingon long-term partnerships and contributing international expertise andfinancing.