The Latvian Wind Energy Association and the Latvian Hydrogen Association have signed a memorandum of understanding to promote the use of sustainable and innovative renewable energy resources and energy storage technologies in Latvia. The organizations are committed to jointly researching and finding innovative solutions for inefficient and outdated energy, heating, transport and production systems.
12 August 2020
Achieving climate neutrality by 2050 is one of the EU’s most important and at the same time the most ambitious priorities of the last decade. Although the health crisis caused by COVID-19 has made it a particular challenge, deviations from the target are not acceptable. Representatives of both organizations believe that Latvia can meet its targets by setting a more ambitious climate policy, as well as strengthening cross-sectoral cooperation and the circular economy.
Andris Vanags, Head of the Latvian Wind Energy Association: “The future energy system must be able to store energy when the wind blows and the sun shines. Electricity is getting cheaper, hence the production of hydrogen using electrolysis has become economically viable. Green hydrogen can be used across various sectors – transportation, gas supply, energy storage et al. Moreover, energy interlinks various sectors of economy, so the most effective goals can only be achieved through close cooperation.”
“The idea of hydrogen as a fuel, energy carrier and storage possibility will in near future become common and obvious. Latvia too has an opportunity to produce “green hydrogen” from RES such as wind and sun. The benefits include the decarbonisation of the economy, especially in the field of transportation and shipping, and the overall contribution to economic growth.”, tells the CEO of the Latvian Hydrogen Association Aivars Starikovs.
A.Starikovs emphasizes: “Cooperation between the Latvian Wind Energy and Latvian Hydrogen Associations is the first step towards an in-depth research, development and promotion of innovative solutions to replace an inefficient and outdated energy, heating, transport and production systems.”
The MoU envisages strengthening regular exchange of information, supporting the development of wind energy and green hydrogen production technologies by participating in joint projects, working groups and participating in other technological development and investment attraction activities, participating in the development and improvement of the industry’s regulatory framework. The MoU will also help the two associations to promote public awareness and understanding of the possibilities and benefits of the interaction between wind energy and green hydrogen in electricity generation and storage, and the use of green hydrogen in the transport sector and gas supply.
