Dear Ministers, conference participants,
Let me first say how timely and relevant this conference is, as Europe makes plans to recover and become more resilient in the future in a sustainable way. We are also preparing for the next UN Climate Change Conference at the end of this year, where the EU must show a positive example to the world.
Today is a chance to discuss practical ways how Latvia and Denmark can work together more closely on these goals. I hope today’s discussion will spark a wider interest in Latvia on harnessing renewable energy.
Throughout history Latvians have been living in close synergy with nature, and our traditions have coexisted in harmony with nature. In Latvia we are lucky to have our river Daugava supplying us with sustainable energy through hydro power. We are proud of our large forests, which cover more than half of Latvia and add to our quality of life every day.
However, I am afraid that lately we have become complacent and take for granted what nature has given to us.
We do not appreciate enough that the quality of human life and nature’s biological diversity has a significant economic value, which translates into more a productive, healthier, and happier society.
With plenty of windy days per year, Latvia has a great potential to harvest its own, completely renewable, secure, and cost-efficient energy from the wind.
However, when it comes to the development of wind energy projects our progress is slow. I am afraid that the reason is the general lack of knowledge.
Without this wider discussion we will make little progress and the plans will stay only on the paper.
Our National energy and climate plan for 2021–2030 foresees that Latvia should produce 800 MW of wind energy to achieve our climate neutrality goals.
However today we produce only 80 MW of wind energy, which is far from our own national target.
We have much to do and to learn from the experience of other countries that are successfully making transition to green energy such as Denmark, which has made wind energy industry also a success story for their economy.
I hope that this conference will provide a new scope for closer cooperation in the future and benefit our both countries.
I wish you a successful conference and fruitful discussions on this important topic!