The largest solar power plant in Latvia – Kalkūnes SPP – has commenced production in the Augsdaugava district. The project was developed by Merito Partners and Saules Energy with EUR 10 million investment from Latvian investors and co-financing from Swedbank. Kalkūnes SPP will supply at least 6,500 households of the Daugavpils district with environmentally friendly energy.
Kalkūnes SPP is located in Kalkūne Parish, Augsdaugava municipality, 10 kilometres from the centre of Daugavpils. With a capacity of 13.3 megawatts, it will produce at least 13,500 megawatt hours of renewable energy annually. The new power plant has been constructed with a direct connection to the distribution grid ensuring that the generated electricity is available to local residents and businesses.
Kaspars Melnis, the Minister for Climate and Energy stated: “Augsdaugava municipality is among the first in Latvia with an industrial-scale solar power plant. The successful implementation of the ambitious green infrastructure project near the border of the European Union is a symbolic and at the same time significant step in strengthening the energy independence of Latvia and our region.”
Kalkūnes SPP was funded by Latvian investors and EUR 4.7 million loan from Swedbank, with investment totalling EUR 10 million. Kalkūnes SPP is owned by Merito Sustainable Energy Fund I, the largest solar power plant operator in Latvia. Last year the Fund commissioned four solar power plant projects in Zilupe, Brenguļi, Inčukalns and Carnikava with a total capacity of 25 MW. Three additional solar power plant projects in Koknese, Cēsis and Valmiera will be completed in 2024.
“Eight SPPs will generate at least 70,000 MWh of electricity annually, providing green energy to over 35,000 households in Latvia. This is an investment in renewable energy infrastructure funded by more than 80 Latvian private and institutional investors. This is a project with a significant return potential and added value – a benefit for residents and municipalities,” says Mikus Janvars, co-founder and managing partner of Merito Partners.
The general contractor for the Kalkūne SPP project is a Latvian company KL Systems, with many years of experience in constructing industrial solar parks in Germany and across Europe.
During the construction and operation of Kalkūnes SPP, significant attention has been paid to environmental protection and the preservation of biodiversity. There is a natural meadow on the territory with a specially designed habitat for insects and animals. It will also eventually be available for bee colonies and herds of local sheep. The 22,300 solar panels located at the solar power plant will be recycled after their exploitation with components being reused.