The latest survey data show that public awareness in Latvia about wind park development plans and energy security issues is gradually increasing. For example, 65% of respondents in a survey conducted by Norstat Latvia report that they are at least somewhat informed about the plans to develop offshore wind park in Latvia. At the same time, society increasingly supports a “moderate” development approach – more and more residents believe that Latvia should become an energy-neutral country and produce only as much electricity as it consumes domestically.
A survey commissioned as part of the ELWIND project shows that public awareness of the joint Latvian–Estonian initiative to develop an offshore wind park in the Baltic Sea has increased. This year, 65% of respondents say they are aware of the project (61% last year). Most people have heard about the project but are not familiar with all the details, while only a small share report having a very good understanding of it.
When discussing the future of electricity generation, the prevailing view in society is that Latvia should first ensure it can meet its own energy needs – 46% of respondents share this opinion (43% last year). At the same time, 40% of residents see Latvia as a potential electricity-exporting country. This demonstrates that society expects long-term and strategic solutions for achieving energy independence. The ELWIND project is one of the key steps in this direction, strengthening both energy security and Latvia’s competitiveness in the region.
“Growing public awareness is a positive signal, even though discussions about wind parks are often controversial. Energy independence, economic growth and climate neutrality are not just slogans – they are concrete objectives that will shape Latvia’s competitiveness in the future. In Europe, offshore wind energy is one of the fastest-growing industries, and the Baltic Sea is considered a particularly promising region for its development. Therefore, offshore wind projects are a strategic solution that simultaneously strengthens the economy and reduces dependence on imported energy resources,” emphasizes Deputy Director of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) Laura Štrovalde.
A majority of the public – 53% – supports the construction of an offshore wind park off the Kurzeme coast. Meanwhile, 28% oppose the idea, and nearly one-fifth of respondents have not yet formed a clear opinion. If the planned ELWIND wind park were to be developed, half of respondents – 50% – believe it would have a positive impact on Latvia’s economy. Among them, 7% expect a very positive impact, while 43% believe the impact would be rather positive. Meanwhile, 16% consider the impact to be neutral.
The survey was commissioned by LIAA and conducted in February 2026, surveying 2,018 Latvian residents aged 18 to 75. The survey questions and more detailed results are available at: https://www.liaa.gov.lv/lv/elwind-aktualitates.
About the ELWIND project
ELWIND is a cross-border project between Latvia and Estonia for the construction of an offshore wind park in the Baltic Sea. It is an ambitious and environmentally friendly renewable energy project with a combined capacity of up to 2 GW, which will increase the energy independence and security of the region and keep energy prices reasonable, thus reducing costs for businesses and households. In addition, it will create new business opportunities. ELWIND will help to fill the gap in domestic large-scale renewable energy production and contribute to a better functioning open energy market. The offshore wind park is expected to be built and operational by 2035.
The pre-development work for the ELWIND project will end in 2029 with a planned auction in which the right of use of the offshore wind site will be transferred to a qualified developer. The ELWIND project is implemented by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia and the Estonian Environmental Investment Centre in cooperation with the Ministry of Economics of the Republic of Latvia and the Ministry of Climate of the Republic of Estonia.
About LIAA
LIAA promotes the competitiveness of Latvian entrepreneurs, export growth and investment attraction, as well as develops the tourism industry and implements the state image policy. The agency acts as a state partner in the development of entrepreneurship – from the idea to international markets. With an extensive network of representative offices abroad and regional business centers in Latvia, LIAA helps companies grow and positions Latvia as a safe, innovative and open country in the global economy.