There has been signed a notable statement in the Liepaja Special Economic Zone (SEZ), on the establishment of the Liepaja Sustainable Industry Hub, by combining several private strategically important green energy, smart production and innovation investment-based projects.

The statement was signed by the major private investors implementing the aforementioned projects - the companies “Van Oord”, “Euroports”, “Smulders”, “CIS Liepāja”, “GI Termināls”, “Fokker Next Gen Latvia”, as well as the Liepaja Special Economic Zone Administration, the Liepaja City Council, the Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA) and the Riga Technical University.

The purpose of the joint statement is to set development projects as the highest priority on the government's agenda to provide the necessary state support, both in the form of simplified procedures and approvals, and to ensure availability of the required financial instruments and investments in infrastructure. The said projects will contribute to the sustainability of Latvia's economy and create new high-tech industries, contributing to the growth of the country's GDP and industrial development.

The purpose of establishing the Liepaja Sustainable Industry Hub is to become a key player in the Baltic region in the field of green energy and innovative technologies. The total planned amount of investment could exceed 4 billion euros in the period from 2025 to 2035.

The planned projects:

The Liepaja Sustainable Industry Hub:

1. An Offshore Wind Support Base and Heavy Cargo Terminal in the Port of Liepaja - a deep-sea terminal to facilitate the supply chain of the offshore wind parks in the Baltics. and placement of large-sized structures adjacent to the harbor berths. To be implemented by the companies Van Oord, Euroports and Smulders.

2. A Hydrogen Production Plant and Terminal: hydrogen production plant by applying renewable energy resources. To be implemented by the company “CIS Liepāja”.

3. A Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Plant: production of SAF, contributing to the aviation industry’s transition to greener energy sources. To be implemented by the company “GI Termināls”.

4. Production of Hydrogen-powered Aircraft: passenger aircraft production in the territory of the Liepaja Airport, accelerating decarbonization of the aviation industry. To be implemented by the company “Fokker Next Gen Latvia”.

5. CO2 Export Terminal for Carbon Transportation and Storage: storage and transportation of carbon dioxide emitted and collected in industry and energy sector. To be implemented by the company “GI Termināls”.

The Liepaja SEZ CEO Uldis Hmieļevskis points out that this is an unprecedented amount of private investment not only in the Liepaja Special Economic Zone, but in the country as a whole, to create a completely new industry based on green hydrogen, oxygen production, CO2 transportation and storage, processing the thermal energy, creating unique opportunities to create and to develop other industries that can use such resources as raw materials. 

"By designating Liepaja a place for implementation of their projects, investors attest Latvia's perseverance and determination to develop green energy and smart production. Establishment of the Liepaja Sustainable Industry Hub will allow the region to become a leader in the field of renewable energy and industrial innovation, attracting further investments and creating new jobs in other sectors as well, however, in order to attract such investments, it is of vital importance for all involved parties, including the state, municipal and professional cooperation of educational institutions, that is why we have decided to consider all individual projects as one whole, positioning it as the Liepaja Sustainable Industry Hub" emphasized Uldis Hmieļevskis.

The Liepaja SEZ Authority puts much effort to unite the aforementioned projects and investors who are seeking additional opportunities for synergy and development of new projects. Thus, for example, hydrogen is planned to be used as a raw material in the production of sustainable aviation fuel and for refueling the Fokker Nex Gen aircraft, whereas CO2 is needed as a raw material in the production of the SAF fuel. 

The Liepaja SEZ Authority has started transformation of the former steel plant "Liepajas Metalurgs" into a green industrial park, making it possible to target other manufacturing companies that might use H2, CO2, O2 and thermal energy as raw materials.

The role of the Riga Technical University in the development of such industries is significant, ensuring creation of educational and research programs on the basis of RTU Liepaja Academy, cooperation with the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, providing a green corridor for implementation of the aforementioned projects, and involvement of the City of Liepaja.

The Liepaja Special Economic Zone Authority:

provides high-quality attractive business environment and promotes development of the Liepaja SEZ territory under unified management with understandable regulations that attract investors operating in smart, sustainable, high added value industries, specifically in the field of industrial manufacturing, green energy and technology, creating new, skilled jobs with competitive wages.

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