LATVIA RENEWABLE INCENTIVES

In Latvia, renewable electricity generation is stimulated through a complex support system based on a feed-in tariff, which also includes elements of a quota system and tenders. The existing feed-tariff is on hold until 01.01.2016 due to concerns about corruption and a lack of transparency in the way it was carried out since 2007. The existing state support mechanisms for energy production from renewable energy resources are being assessed and revised. Stringent supervision of subsidized electricity producers, stricter controls and a limited timeframe for the implementation of RES projects has been introduced. At the same time, a new tax for subsidized electricity producers was introduced in January 2014. The tax should be paid by companies receiving financial support for power generation from renewable energy sources or from combined heat and power plants. Since 1 January 2014 RES-E is promoted also through net-metering. Heating and cooling from renewable energy sources is promoted through different tax benefits. Also the only incentive currently available for renewable energy sources in the transport sector is a tax regulation mechanism.

Access of renewable energy plants to the grid is subject to the general legislation on energy. Electricity from renewable sources is not given priority. Also devices for heat production from renewable energy sources are not given priority connection, and there is no special legislation promoting the connection of RES heating devices to the heat transmission network at the national level. There are regulations at the regional level that establish rules for and promote high energy performance and competition in the heat supply market. LATVIA RENEWABLE INCENTIVES

There are two policies promoting the installation and use of RES installations.

ELECTRICITY

Support schemes

In the Republic of Latvia, renewable electricity generation is stimulated through a complex support system based on a feed-in tariff. At the moment the existing feed-tariff is on hold until 01.01.2016. On 1 January 2014 net-metering was introduced. LATVIA RENEWABLE INCENTIVES

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Grid issues

In Latvia, access of renewable energy plants to the grid is subject to the general legislation on energy. Electricity from renewable sources is not given priority. Thus, all plant operators are entitled against the grid operator to the connection of their plants to the grid and to the transmission of electricity according to the principle of non-discrimination. In pursuance of the general legislation, the grid operator is obligated to expand the grid. The liberalisation of Latvian electricity market is postponed until January 2015. LATVIA RENEWABLE INCENTIVES

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Policies

There are two policies promoting the development, installation and use of RES installations: the certification scheme for RES system installers and an obligation to use renewable heating and cooling systems in new and renovated buildings. LATVIA RENEWABLE INCENTIVES

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HEATING AND COOLING

Support schemes

In Latvia, heating and cooling from renewable energy sources is promoted through different tax benefits.

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Grid issues

Devices for heat production from renewable energy sources are not given priority connection, and there is no special legislation promoting the connection of RES heating devices to the heat transmission network at the national level.

However, heat suppliers and producers shall comply with economic and social law and the legislation on environmental protection and the preservation of cultural heritage. There are regulations at the regional level that establish rules for and promote high energy performance and competition in the heat supply market. LATVIA RENEWABLE INCENTIVES

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Policies

There are two policies promoting the development, installation and use of RES installations: the certification scheme for RES system installers and an obligation to use renewable heating and cooling systems in new and renovated buildings.

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TRANSPORT – MOBILITY

Support schemes

Both the “Biofuel Production and Use in Latvia (2003-2010)” programme and the state support programme “Aid for Biofuel Production” finished. The only instrument for the promotion of renewable energy sources in the transport sector currently available is a tax regulation mechanism. According to the Ministry of Finance, the Biofuel Development Advisory Council is currently discussing the introduction of a new support scheme.

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Source and more information on: RES LEGAL