On 16 October, experts from Vidzeme, Zemgale, Kurzeme, Latgale and Riga planning regions (Latvia) met in Līgatne to discuss key issues related to energy efficiency and climate policy. The meeting aimed to share good practices and experiences from various international and national projects focused on climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Participants presented ongoing regional initiatives that promote sustainable development and create the foundations for a climate-neutral economy. One of the central topics was the development of green industrial zones, highlighting the project “Green Industrial Areas”, in Latvia implemented by the Zemgale Planning Region and the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development. According to project manager Raitis Madžulis, green transformation measures are becoming an essential part of modern industrial development, particularly in resource-intensive sectors. Latvia’s pilot area within the project is the Kaigu industrial territory in Jelgava County Municipality, managed by SIA “Laflora”. The initiative supports Latvia’s transition to climate neutrality and contributes to the National Energy and Climate Plan 2030. The project integrates renewable energy use in industry, reduces dependence on fossil fuels, fosters low-emission manufacturing, and promotes sustainable land use and biodiversity conservation. Planned developments include greenhouse complexes, an innovation center for peat-based product research, climate-neutral manufacturing facilities, green-powered data centers, and modern office and recreation spaces. Covering over 130 hectares, through smart land use strategy and planning, clean energy use, and sustainable industrial practices, the Kaigu Industrial Area aims to serve as a model for eco-industrial areas in the Baltic region.
The Zemgale Planning Region also presented the IMPETUS project, implemented under the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme. Within the project, innovative climate adaptation tools have been developed, including an Early Warning System created by the Jelgava Digital Centre to alert residents about potential flooding — one of the major climate risks in Zemgale region. The system is planned for wider implementation across municipalities in the region, as floods and heavy rainfall are becoming more frequent.
Experts from the Vidzeme Planning Region shared their experience in developing energy management systems and the one-stop-shop model, helping municipalities and residents improve energy efficiency and resource planning. The Kurzeme Planning Region presented activities aimed at enhancing professional skills in climate neutrality and adaptation, focusing on capacity building among municipal and regional specialists through regional-level training programmes.
Meanwhile, the Riga Planning Region showcased the POWERYOUTH project, which encourages youth involvement in the development of energy communities. The project helps young people gain practical knowledge of renewable energy, community energy models, and sustainable development principles, promoting active civic participation in climate neutrality initiatives.
Participants emphasized that such inter-regional meetings are invaluable for knowledge exchange, cooperation, and joint project development, strengthening Latvia’s capacity to implement climate-neutral and sustainable solutions across all regions.
