Latvia Strengthens Its Renewable Energy Capacity
Latvia has taken another significant step in its renewable energy transition as Lithuanian green energy company Ignitis Renewables brings its 174MW Tume solar farm into commercial operation.
Located in the Tukums municipality, the large-scale development is one of the biggest operational solar projects in the Baltic states. Spanning 302 hectares and featuring more than 282,000 solar panels, the facility is expected to generate enough electricity to meet the annual needs of approximately 85,000 households.
The project represents an important addition to Latvia’s growing renewable energy infrastructure, supporting the country’s efforts to increase domestic electricity generation and reduce reliance on conventional energy sources.
Solar Tracking Technology Improves Efficiency
The Tume solar farm also introduces new technology and operational approaches for Ignitis Renewables. It is the company’s first solar development to use tracking systems that follow the sun’s movement throughout the day.
By adjusting the position of the panels in response to the sun, the technology is designed to optimise exposure to sunlight and improve electricity generation.
The project is also the company’s first solar farm to be maintained primarily by its own specialists, reflecting a greater focus on in-house expertise and the long-term operation of its renewable energy assets.
Battery Storage Project to Support Energy Security
Alongside the solar farm, Ignitis Renewables is developing a substantial battery energy storage system at the Tume site.
The planned 107MW/215MWh battery storage facility is currently under construction and will be integrated with the solar farm once completed. The system will allow electricity generated during periods of strong sunlight to be stored and made available when demand is higher or solar generation is lower.
Battery storage is becoming increasingly important as countries expand their renewable energy capacity. By helping balance fluctuations in electricity supply and demand, these systems can improve grid flexibility and support the wider integration of renewable power.
The addition of the Tume battery project will therefore strengthen the overall contribution of the development to Latvia’s energy infrastructure.
Supporting the Baltic Energy Transition
Ignitis Renewables CEO Frank Oomen said the project strengthens local renewable electricity generation in Latvia, enhances regional energy security and supports the Baltic energy transition.
Tume is the company’s third operational solar farm in Latvia, following the 94MW Vārme solar project, which entered operation in July 2025.
The wider national picture also reflects the pace of change across the country’s energy sector. Latvia’s cumulative solar capacity exceeded 1.5GW in August 2026, following a particularly strong period of new installations.
Solar power was the country’s largest source of electricity generation in May, June and July, highlighting the growing role of renewable energy in its electricity mix.
With the Tume solar farm now operational and battery storage construction underway, Ignitis Renewables is contributing to the next stage of Latvia’s clean energy development. The project demonstrates how combining large-scale solar generation with energy storage can help create a more flexible and resilient electricity system.
Source: PV Magazine.
Image: Ignitis Renewables