Caljan’s Latvian facility reduces electricity consumption by 41%

In May 2025, Caljan installed a new solar panel system at its production and engineering centre in Liepāja, Latvia. Just two months into operation, the site has already reduced its electricity consumption from the grid by 41%, significantly decreasing dependence on external energy sources.

During May and June, the system generated 146 MWh of solar power – enough to cover the average monthly electricity needs of approximately 834 households in Latvia. Most of this energy – 117 MWh – was used directly for production. The remaining 29 MWh was fed back into the national grid, making clean energy accessible for others across Latvia.

The investment in solar energy totalled over €382,000. Based on 2024 electricity prices, the estimated payback period is between 9 and 12 years. This estimate will be reviewed after the system’s first full year of operation.

“Our new solar panel system is expected to supply around one-third of our annual electricity needs,” says Gatis Dradeika, General Manager at Caljan Latvia. “With electricity demand projected to rise significantly in Latvia, we believe it’s critical to build resilient energy systems that reduce dependency and mitigate cost-related risks. In our case, it also brings predictable savings – up to €34,000 annually at current rates.”

The system’s total installed capacity in Liepāja is 773 kWp, representing its theoretical peak under ideal conditions. Actual output depends on real-time solar intensity. Priority is given to powering the production site; any surplus is exported to the grid based on market demand.

A similar solar energy system has been operational at Caljan’s production facility in Germany since 2022, having generated more than 369 MWh to date – over half of which has been returned to the national grid.

Solar energy forms part of Caljan’s broader sustainability strategy, applied across all production sites. In Liepāja, the company has already achieved ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 50001 certifications and has implemented a solvent recovery system that reduced hazardous waste by 33%.

About Caljan

Caljan is a global leader in telescopic conveyors and automation solutions for handling loose cargo. The company serves customers in Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Caljan’s Latvian facility, operational since 2006, is the company’s largest production and engineering hub, employing 255 people. The site not only manufactures conveyors but also develops advanced automation solutions, with the local team actively contributing to global product development and sales support. The facility is certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 50001 standards, reflecting Caljan’s commitment to quality, environmental management, and energy efficiency.