Latvia

Latvia maintains a similar performance as last year, rising one place to 25th and still among the medium-performing countries. Latvia earns a high rating in the Renewable Energy category, with a medium in Climate Policy and a low in GHG Emissions and Energy Use.

High share of renewables

The CCPI experts note that Latvia already has a relatively high share of renewable energy in energy use, owing to hydroelectric power plants and a high percentage of biomass in heating.

The experts welcome recent support mechanisms for deployment of solar and wind. However, they criticise there being no discussion on fossil fuel phase-out, and demand concrete steps towards such a phase-out. The also criticise the government’s support of LNG terminal development.

The country’s intensification of forestry and high exports of unprocessed round wood have also led to Latvian forests becoming emissions sources rather than sinks.

Key Outcomes

CCPI experts

The following national experts agreed to be mentioned as contributors for this year’s CCPI:

• Lilija Apine & Janis Brizga (Green Liberty)