The city of Valmiera in Latvia has taken a significant step toward producing more sustainable energy with the opening of JSC Valmieras enerģija’s new wood chip boiler house on November 5th. This moder heating plant has increased the share of renewable energy resources to over 90% of the total fuel used in heat production.
Construction of the boiler house began in June 2023, when JSC Valmieras enerģija signed a construction contract with the Association of Persons SAN Polytechnik. By autumn 2023, preparation work on the construction area was underway, and construction continued through winter to ensure the new heat source would be ready for the 2024/2025 heating season.
A key factor in the successful implementation of the project was the smooth cooperation with both the city of Valmiera, which built the surrounding street infrastructure, and the heat supply operator SIA Valmieras ūdens, which connected the new heat source to the network. Now, following the completion of the project, heat production in the vicinity of Ausekļa Street is fully provided by Valmieras enerģija.
Strengthening Valmiera’s energy security and sustainability
Jonas Sjölander, the new CEO of Adven, was also present at the opening: “The new boiler house is an important step toward renewable energy and a valuable investment in our successful partnership with the city of Valmiera. Valmiera is a great example of collaboration between a energy partner and a municipality, not only within Latvia but across the Adven Group. This modern boiler house also contributes significantly to our shared goal of sustainable energy – a goal that unites both Adven and the residents of Valmiera.”
“I would also like to thank the project team in Latvia for their work and dedication. Each person has played an essential role in making this a success,” he added.
“In Valmiera, the production of heat energy, now almost entirely provided by renewable resources, affirms our long-term goal – a stable, affordable, and environmentally friendly heat supply for the city’s residents. This transition to renewable resources significantly reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, strengthening the city’s energy security and sustainability. Investments in this sector and the decision to use wood chips, a locally available resource, for heating are investments in both the local economy and climate change mitigation, ensuring a sustainable future for Valmiera,” emphasized Jānis Baiks, Chairman of the Valmiera Municipality Council, at the opening event.
The boiler house will help ensure a stable and secure heat supply at an affordable price for consumers of the centralized heat supply system in Valmiera. It will also reduce the heat supply tariff’s dependence on fuel availability and imported fossil fuels. The project was implemented with the support of the European Union Cohesion Fund (CF).
