English
In order to strengthen the development of offshore wind technologies in Latvia, which are critical for the European Union supply chain, this year the Freeport of Riga Authority has started the active implementation of the project “Development of Wind Technology Production Complex in Kundziņsala” with a total investment of EUR 85 million, of which EUR 54 884 514 is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and EUR 9 685 503 by the state budget. Thus, an appropriate industrial area will be created in the northern part of Kundziņsala to develop production facilities for offshore and onshore wind technologies and their components.
Being in line with the global energy transformation, the Port of Riga area of Kundziņsala is now developing into a centre for modern manufacturing, logistics and high added value services and innovations, that will boost the economic competitiveness of Riga and Latvia, their energy independence and promote climate neutrality objectives.
“Development of Riga is unthinkable without the port - it is the city's driving force, our gateway to the world and the place where the economy, infrastructure and security meet. Our common task is to build a close, purposeful cooperation between the state, the municipalities of the Riga Region, entrepreneurs and the port management, so that the port becomes a part and parcel and integrated part of Riga's urban environment. Riga City Council is ready to be an active and responsible partner in this process, because only in cooperation can we fully exploit the port's potential - in a smart, sustainable and metropolis-worthy way,” said Māris Sprindžuks, Deputy Chairman of the Riga City Council, while introducing the ambitious investment projects implemented in Kundziņsala.
In the framework of the project “Development of the Wind Technology Production Complex in Kundziņsala", the Freeport of Riga Authority will carry out construction of deep-water berths with increased bearing capacity, engineering networks, access roads and a railway crossing, new logistics infrastructure, as well as reconstruction of the existing logistics infrastructure, reconstruction and construction of shore reinforcement, dredging of the water area and shore reinforcement. The Freeport of Riga will be responsible for the maintenance of the infrastructure and will ensure its sustainability in the future by attracting additional private investment of EUR 40 million.
By 31 December 2029, it is planned to develop the port's logistics infrastructure on a 30 ha area in Kundziņsala, and to support at least two merchants who would rent the developed site. The project will facilitate further business development and attract investment in the mentioned and adjacent areas (60-90 ha in total). The leasing of the developed area to companies producing wind energy technology components will generate exports of €160 million, create 650 jobs and generate at least €7.8 million in annual tax payments.
With the aim to monitor compliance with the principles of good governance and to promote transparency at all stages of project implementation, the “Society for Openness – Delna” (Delna) has been involved in the monitoring of the project “Development of the Wind Technology Production Complex in Kundziņsala”. Through its involvement, Delna will strengthen trust in public institutions by providing the public with information on the project progress and by contributing to the quality of the project. Delna is a leading anti-corruption organisation in Latvia and has several years of experience in monitoring complex and strategically important projects.
Krista Asmusa, Director of Delna, said: “In order to follow the project progress and mitigate potential risks, we will monitor all stages of project implementation, analyse documents, monitor the decision-making process and submit proposals to the project implementer to improve the process. Delna's involvement will help to better inform the public about the progress of the project and, where possible, to ensure public involvement and voice”.
Currently, the Freeport of Riga Authority has signed an agreement with the Central Finance and Contracting Agency (CFCA) on the attraction of funding, an initial technical concept for infrastructure development has been developed, and procurement procedures have been launched for the implementation of the first stages of the project. At the same time, in cooperation with the Ministry of Economics and the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, negotiations are underway with leading offshore wind and onshore wind entrepreneurs, investors and project developers, with the aim to conclude agreements on investments in the Kundziņsala area by the end of this year.
Information for media
- [email protected], +371 670 308 53
- Freeport of Riga Authority
- 12 Kalpaka blvd, Riga, Latvia, LV-1010
