Although public opinion in Latvia is divided on the development of wind energy, there is a prevailing view that the country should not fall behind the other Baltic states and should actively harness its offshore wind energy potential. The latest survey by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) shows that people want to understand how offshore wind development will affect electricity prices, the environment, regional development, and what benefits it will bring to society.
Offshore wind energy can be a tool that both strengthens the country and delivers direct benefits to local communities. A survey conducted by Norstat Latvia, involving 1,001 Latvian residents aged 18 to 75, shows that public attitudes toward wind energy in Latvia are cautiously positive, while people are looking for clear answers about the practical benefits it will bring to society.
Competition from neighbouring countries is a motivating factor
When asked whether Latvia should develop offshore wind parks just as actively as other Baltic Sea countries (Estonia, Lithuania, and Poland), where such projects are already being pursued with determination, the prevailing view is that Latvia should not be left behind. Forty percent of respondents believe Latvia should develop its own offshore wind projects just as actively, while 23% support a more cautious approach. Only 17% believe Latvia should not develop such projects at all, while 20% do not have a definite opinion.
Laura Štrovalde, Deputy Director of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA): “It is encouraging that a significant share of the public recognizes the importance of renewable energy. Wind energy is essential for achieving several national objectives. Offshore wind represents an opportunity to harness the economic potential of the Baltic Sea, attract new investment projects, promote regional development, and – perhaps most importantly at present – diversify Latvia’s sources of electricity generation so that we are less vulnerable to global challenges.”
The key question: How will offshore wind projects affect electricity prices?
Further exploring public concerns and expectations, the Norstat Latvia survey found that the issue respondents most want more information about is how the ELWIND project could affect electricity prices in Latvia. According to Laura Štrovalde, this is only natural – people want stability and predictability, and they want to understand whether the project will have an impact on household electricity bills. “While the state's key priorities include climate neutrality, investments in energy security, and attracting new investment projects, practical concerns will always come first for the public. This is true not only for ELWIND but for other energy projects as well.”
Summarising the other most common responses, the following topics emerged as the public's top information priorities: the overall benefits for society (33%), the environmental impact (33%), who will own the ELWIND wind park (24%), how the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process is carried out (22%), and the project's impact on the landscape and tourism (21%). “These findings help us better understand the public's concerns and enable us to communicate more effectively. It is important to explain the broader benefits for Latvia whether in the form of investments in municipalities and local infrastructure, new jobs, port development, a more secure electricity supply, the growth of new coastal industries, or cleaner energy for future generations,” concludes Laura Štrovalde.
Not simply "for" or "against" wind energy
Overall, the Norstat Latvia survey shows that public attitudes towards the development of wind energy in Latvia are more positive than negative, although a significant share of respondents remain undecided. Forty-five percent support the development of wind energy, 26% oppose it, while nearly one-third of respondents do not have a clear opinion.
Compared with previous studies, similar demographic trends remain evident. For example, men are significantly more supportive of wind energy development (52%), while women are more likely to be undecided (36%). Younger people and economically active residents also continue to express stronger support for the use of wind energy. Support is particularly high among 30–39-year-olds (62%), followed by 18–29-year-olds (53%). By comparison, support falls to 32% among respondents aged 60–74. This older age group is especially interested in the practical implications of offshore wind development. Forty-five percent say they need more information about its impact on electricity prices, 40% want to know more about environmental impacts, and 28% are seeking information about the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.
Laura Štrovalde, Deputy Director of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), concludes: “Our regular public opinion surveys show that wind energy in Latvia is increasingly becoming an issue that reflects generational differences in attitudes and values. Younger and economically active groups tend to view it as a driver of future economic growth, job creation, and energy independence. Older generations, on the other hand, place greater importance on security, costs, oversight, environmental monitoring, and the assurance that such projects will not diminish their quality of life.”
The survey was commissioned by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) and conducted in May 2026 among 1,001 Latvian residents aged 18 to 75. The full questionnaire and detailed survey results are available here: https://failiem.lv/u/fny2qr7t7g
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.