Renewables
Latvia adds 174 MW solar plant to regional grid
Ignitis Renewables has commissioned a major solar farm in Latvia, marking a new milestone for the Baltic state's clean energy expansion.
Key points
- Ignitis Renewables completed the 174 MW Tume solar farm in Tukums municipality.
- The project spans 302 hectares and incorporates solar trackers for the first time.
- A 107 MW/215 MWh battery energy storage system is currently under construction.
What happened
A new 174 MW solar power facility has commenced commercial operations in Latvia, according to reporting by pv magazine. Developed by Lithuanian green energy firm Ignitis Renewables, the Tume solar installation is situated in the Tukums municipality and ranks among the largest photovoltaic developments in the Baltic states.
The installation covers 302 hectares and comprises more than 282,000 solar panels. According to the developer, the facility is designed to generate sufficient electricity to supply 85,000 households annually. The project also introduces solar trackers to follow the sun's trajectory, alongside an in-house maintenance model.
Construction is concurrently underway on a 107 MW and 215 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS), which will integrate with the solar plant upon completion. The Tume site represents the third Latvian photovoltaic project for Ignitis Renewables, following the launch of the 94 MW Vārme installation in July 2025.
Latvian solar deployment has expanded rapidly, with cumulative capacity exceeding 1.5 GW by August. Transmission system operator Augstsprieguma tīkls reported that solar served as the primary source of domestic electricity generation during May, June and July. Furthermore, research from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE indicated that the nation established an EU record for domestic solar generation share in June.
Why it matters
According to World Bank figures, Latvia recorded a 100 percent electricity access rate in 2024, alongside a renewable electricity share of 63.6 percent in 2021. For energy investors and policy makers across emerging markets, the rapid scaling of utility-scale solar paired with storage highlights how supportive regulatory frameworks can accelerate national energy transitions.
While West African nations face distinct infrastructural hurdles—such as grid stability and financing constraints—the integration of solar trackers and battery storage systems demonstrates scalable solutions for intermittent renewable sources. As regional power pools evolve, examining European deployment models offers valuable technical insights for incorporating large-scale variable generation into national grids.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
Context from CEII
Renewables are the fastest-growing part of the world’s energy system. The COP28 goal is to triple capacity by 2030, and solar mini-grids are the fastest route to power for millions of people without electricity.
63.6% of electricity in Latvia was renewable in 2021Countries in this story
Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
