• The facility is expected to be completed within 20 months.
• The port is also set to become part of future projects, transforming it into a sustainable hub for renewable energy.

The Port of Riga in Latvia, also the second-largest port in the Baltic States, is collaborating with investors from Ukraine to build its first major facility for renewable fuels on its premises.

Once the construction is completed, the plant will produce two key products: HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) and SAF (sustainable aviation fuel), made from vegetable oils. The aim is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve climate neutrality in Latvia and Europe.

The project, estimated to cost up to €120 million, will boost Latvia's energy independence, thereby reducing reliance on imported fuels. It will also support the local economy by generating 120 skilled jobs and providing farmers with a steady demand for their crops used in fuel production.

Armands Sadauskis, owner of SIA PARS TERMINALS: "The new plant is a step in the modernisation of our business. With Ukrainian partners we will ensure economic independence from foreign supplies, thus shortening logistics chains and obtaining high added value products that are currently only imported in the Baltics. This would also benefit our aviation sector, and the Latvian national airline AirBaltic would be a direct beneficiary, with immediate, significant economic benefits, especially looking beyond 2030, when at least 20% of aviation fuel will have to be renewable."

READ MORE: PD Ports Introduces Cranes Powered by Green Electricity

The plant will produce 93,000 tonnes of HVO and 87,000 tonnes of SAF and process 2,36,000 tonnes of raw materials every year. The construction is expected to finish in 20 months as the necessary technology and equipment are already available.

In addition to this, the port is also venturing out into green energy. It will be part of projects that will produce wind turbine components, build solar farms in the Baltics, and carry out hydrogen research. All these initiatives will help the port become a leader in green energy and a hub for sustainable energy and innovation, contributing to Latvia's long-term economic and environmental benefits.

Ansis Zeltiņš, the Freeport of Riga CEO, said: “The implementation of industrial projects, especially in the segment of green energy production, which has high added value and high demand, is one of the cornerstones of the future development of the Port of Riga. The SIA PARS TERMINALS project is an excellent example of how the Port of Riga can become a modern and sustainable platform for industrial projects.”

Follow KnowESG's Technology News for regular news and views.

Discover an extensive network of ESG providers here

Check out KnowESG's latest ESG Event updates

Source: Port of Riga