Registration is now open for an energy sector forum to be held on November 26 at the Great Amber Concert Hall in Liepāja. The forum will continue the Industry Days series organised by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), which began on October 30 in Madona with an event dedicated to the food industry.

The forum will focus on the future of energy in Europe and Latvia, smart and efficient manufacturing, and attracting European Union (EU) funding for energy projects. One of the topics will be the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and cooperation between science and industry. Separate discussions will address ELWIND, the Latvian-Estonian offshore wind energy project, the role of ports as energy industry hubs, and the importance of energy and dual-use technologies for security.

“Latvian companies must also benefit financially from energy projects. For manufacturers and technology companies, these projects can become a source of new contracts and growth. At the Industry Day in Liepāja, we will help businesses understand how to get involved in these projects, where to find partners, and how to attract funding,” emphasises Vita Balode-Andrūsa, Director of the Export and Innovation Services Department at LIAA.

“Liepāja is a strong partner in Latvia’s energy development, with its manufacturing and port expertise, the renewable energy potential of the Kurzeme region, and opportunities to cooperate with RTU Liepāja Academy in research and the introduction of new technologies,” says Gunārs Ansiņš, Chairman of the Liepāja City Council.

“As we work towards Liepāja’s 2030 climate goals, it is important to align energy efficiency and innovation with the needs of the city and its businesses. This Industry Day offers companies an opportunity to find cooperation partners, explore technologies and funding opportunities, while bringing together the perspectives of national and local governments, researchers, and businesses. Together, we must ensure that investments in energy strengthen the regional economy, provide a secure and cost-competitive energy supply, and deliver benefits to residents.”

“Energy can be not only a cost factor for Latvian companies but also an opportunity for growth,” emphasises Kārlis Grīnbergs, Board Member and Energy Auditor at SIA energi. “In practice, I see that Latvia’s energy-intensive companies are often more advanced than we might realise. Each company, at its own pace and within its own operations, is introducing more efficient solutions and new technologies.”

Representatives of energy, manufacturing, technology, port, and logistics companies, including participants in the Business Incubation Programme, are invited to attend the forum. The day will conclude with networking and an exchange of experiences.

Participant registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. on November 26 at the Great Amber Concert Hall in Liepāja, with the forum scheduled to open at 10:00 a.m. Participants can register until November 25 and view the programme on the event page on LIAA’s business.gov.lv platform.

The event series is organised by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia as part of the Innovative Business Development Programme for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund and the Latvian state budget.