2022, March 17
A powerful solar power plant has been built in Amatciems, Cēsis Region (Latvia), which will cover almost one-fifth of the village’s total electricity consumption. This is the first power purchase agreement (PPA) for solar panel project of such magnitude to be implemented in Latvia. ALTUM energy efficiency loan in the amount of EUR 170,000 was arranged for implementation of the project, which has been carried out in cooperation with energy group AJ Power.
During the implementation of the project, 720 solar panels with a total system capacity of 259 kW were set up in Amatciems. It is estimated that they will produce 256,600 kWh of green energy annually, or 17% of power consumed by the village. The solar park will also reduce CO2 emissions by 100.7 tons annually, which is equivalent to driving 500,000 kilometres by car.
The project was implemented using the Energy Service Company (ESCO) model and with funds attracted from the ALTUM programme for improving companies’ energy efficiency. Under the programme, companies, including ESCO companies, can take out loans of up to EUR 2.85 million for energy efficiency, green building, sustainable transport and renewable energy projects.
“The ALTUM energy efficiency loan programme fosters the use of energy-efficient equipment and renewable energy at companies of all sizes, while investments that go into these improvements pay off in terms of project savings. This has already been proven by multiple projects funded under this programme across Latvia. The Amatciems project is another great example of how ALTUM can promote sustainable, environmentally friendly and economical projects, which also benefit households. We believe that there is great potential for implementation of similar projects elsewhere in Latvia, moreover, green financing and cooperation with ESCO companies make it possible to implement such initiatives also for companies that do not have the necessary knowledge and investments,” says ALTUM Management Board Chairman Reinis Bērziņš.
The Amatciems project was implemented by energy companies group AJ Power, which provided a full service solution from attracting financing to preparing and implementing the project. The service provider is also responsible for the operation of the power station, its maintenance and guarantees.
“Amatciems solar panel park is currently an absolutely unique project of this kind to be implemented in Latvia. While implementing this idea, we successfully found a way to make a rational use of the mountain slope in the area. Adapting the hillside to the project is an innovative solution, because during the construction work we put into practice previously unused techniques in order to adapt to working on such uneven terrain. In addition, the solar plant architecturally depicts the shape of a mountain, which further integrates it into the overall architecture of the village, creating a particularly impactful visual impression. We are pleased that we had the opportunity to implement the project together with Amatciems and ALTUM,” says the CEO of AJ Power, Roberts Samtiņš.
The project has also successfully participated in competition Sustainability in Architecture, Construction, Design 2021, garnering acclaim in category The Most Sustainable Project.
“We use the energy produced by the solar power plant for self consumption. The economic benefits are already apparent as green electricity is received at advantageous, fixed tariff, giving residents the opportunity to save some money on a monthly basis. In addition, if all the green electricity produced by the solar panels is used at the facility, there are no additional costs as we do not have to pay Sadales Tīkls and the mandatory procurement component,” explains Aivars Zvirbulis, the developer of private village Amatciems.
Amatciems is the largest private village in Latvia. Located in Cēsis Region, it is characterized by a distinctive style, standards and quality ensured by centralized village management, maintenance and residence rules. State-of-the-art technical equipment at every home and well thought out engineering and technical solutions have created modern environment for ecological and economical life on a daily basis.
