Memorandum of Understanding Marks Key Step Towards Green Hydrogen Plant in Liepaja

On December 1, at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Norway, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed in the presence of the Minister for Climate and Energy, the Prime Minister's Advisor, representatives of the Ministry of Economics and Liepaja Municipality officials. The MoU between SIA “CIS Liepaja” and SIA “Vindr Latvia” explores long-term renewable energy supply for a new green hydrogen production facility in Liepaja. This initiative is a key step toward one of Northern Europe's largest green hydrogen projects, with plans for a renewable energy facility in the Liepaja Special Economic Zone.

The long-term agreement between the electricity producer and buyer for the delivery of green energy within a specified period and at an agreed price will ensure a stable and predictable energy supply for the buyer, while allowing the producer to guarantee long-term investment returns in renewable energy projects. This also provides significant support for the development of renewable energy, strengthening Latvia's energy independence, and helping businesses meet decarbonization goals.

As previously reported, SIA "CIS Liepaja," a joint venture between Norwegian and Latvian companies, plans to build one of the largest and most advanced green hydrogen production plants in Northern Europe by 2030 in the Liepaja Special Economic Zone. The project will involve an investment of over 550 million euros and will create at least 100 new jobs. The plant is expected to produce approximately 150,000 tons of green hydrogen per year, with a significant portion to be exported to Germany and other EU member states, supporting Europe’s transition to a carbon-neutral economy. "CIS Liepaja" aims to attract EU investments exceeding 1.2 billion euros, with projected annual revenues exceeding 600 million euros once the project is fully developed.

"Green hydrogen is not just an energy carrier – it is becoming one of the cornerstones of the green transformation. The global interest in renewable resources is growing, opening opportunities for Latvia to play a significant role in the future clean energy economy. In such large-scale projects, collaboration between all parties involved is critical. We greatly appreciate the support from both local and national levels in implementing this project. Predictable regulations, stable governance, access to renewable resources, and the proximity to continental European markets, combined with the industrial strategy for green hydrogen, create an attractive environment to develop one of Europe’s most competitive and sustainable hydrogen industries," said Tor Arne Pedersen, CEO and Board Member of SIA "CIS Liepaja."

“Vindr is proud to support Latvia’s transition to clean, locally produced electricity. Our wind projects in Kurzeme and Latgale will deliver reliable, certified renewable power, create jobs, and stimulate local economies, while strengthening energy security and reducing dependence on imports. We are currently developing 900 MW of renewable energy projects in Latvia, this marks our first agreement in the country, committing 150 MW to green hydrogen production. Through our long-term cooperation with CIS Liepaja, we are helping develop new industries like hydrogen production and contributing to a stronger, greener, and more competitive Latvia. Together, we are turning renewable energy into a driver of sustainable growth and prosperity for the country,"  emphasized Jan-Olav Øderud, CEO and co-founder of SIA "Vindr.

"The green transition is a vital global undertaking, and green hydrogen plays a pivotal role in this transformation. Norway is proud to be a European leader in green hydrogen production, and projects like the collaboration between CIS Liepaja and Vindr in Liepaja highlight the strong partnership between Latvia and Norway. This is a remarkable project for the cooperation of Latvia and Norway, full of energy and potential to drive innovation, sustainability, and economic growth across the region," outlined Ine Måreng, the Norwegian Ambassador to Latvia.

New technologies, closely tied to renewable energy resources, open unprecedented opportunities for Latvia’s economic growth, strengthening its international competitiveness and independence. The green hydrogen plant will position Liepaja as a strong partner and an important node on the European economic map.

"Energy independence and energy security are important strategic priorities for our government. It is essential to work with partners we can trust—partners who will stand side by side with us for decades. We are pleased to support CIS Liepaja and Vindr joint project at every step," said Kaspars Melnis, the Minister for Climate and Energy.

Liepaja was selected for the green hydrogen production plant due to the advantages provided by the port, recommendations from the Norwegian Embassy in Latvia, and the high quality of the business environment. Liepaja offers a unique combination of advantages: stable infrastructure, access to renewable electricity, freshwater, and industrial land, with the political climate supporting sustainable industry.

"We are pleased that this project is being implemented in Liepaja, a city that is growing and advancing toward its ambitious goal of becoming climate neutral by 2030. We have been working together on this initiative for several years, and much has already been achieved. The signing of the memorandum of understanding marks one of the major and remarkable milestones on the path to its full implementation," claimed Uldis Hmieļevskis, Deputy of Liepaja City Council and CEO of Liepaja Special Economic Zone.

About the Memorandum’s Parties

CIS Liepaja, uniting Norwegian and Latvian companies, is a member of the Norwegian–Latvian Chamber of Commerce and the German–Latvian Chamber of Commerce. Its goal is to promote the supply of CO₂-neutral energy to the EU internal market, including the Latvian market. The CIS Liepaja hydrogen production project in the Liepāja Special Economic Zone has been recognized as an investment project of strategic national importance.

Vindr was founded in 2019 with the goal of developing wind energy projects in Norway and Sweden and becoming a leading renewable energy producer in Northern Europe. Since then, it has expanded across the Nordic and Baltic regions. Vindr Latvia is developing a portfolio of over 900 MW of onshore wind energy projects, focusing on long-term partnerships and contributing international expertise and financing.