The Liepaja Sustainable Industry Hub members agree on future priorities
Partners of the Liepaja Sustainable Industry Hub gathered for the first joint working meeting on December 4, 2024 to agree on specific steps in mutual cooperation, communication, as well as on development of an action plan for the near future, so that Liepaja, Latvia, and the Baltic Sea region gain energy independence and economic development, while ensuring achievement of the EU climate neutrality and sustainability goals. The first meeting took place at Riga Technical University - an important cooperation partner, both in conducting scientific research, developing innovative, new technologies, and creating study programs that will prepare specialists for the green energy and smart manufacturing sectors that are planned to be developed.
By concluding a joint statement on November 12, 2024 for implementation of strategically significant private investment projects in Liepaja in the field of green energy and smart manufacturing, all its participants agreed on the establishment of the Liepaja Sustainable Industry Hub in the territory of the Liepaja Special Economic Zone.
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. It brings together the companies Van Oord, Euroports, Smulders, CIS Liepāja, GI Termināls, Fokker Next Gen Latvia, as well as the Liepaja Special Economic Zone Authority, the Liepaja City Council, the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) and the Riga Technical University.
The planned projects:
1. An Offshore Wind Support Base and Heavy Cargo Terminal in the Port of Liepaja, creating the infrastructure for construction of wind parks in the Baltic Sea 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 joint statement aims to place development projects at the top of the government's agenda, ensuring the necessary state support, both in the form of simplified procedures and coordination, and ensuring the availability of the necessary financial instruments and investments in infrastructure. These projects will contribute to the sustainability of the Latvian economy, create new high-tech industries, contribute to the country's GDP growth and industrial development.
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.