Baltic states have not yet discussed potential location for new LNG terminal - PM Karins

RIGA - The Baltic states have not yet discussed the potential location for a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal, Prime Minister Krijanis Karins (New Unity) told journalists following the weekly coalition meeting on Monday.

The prime minister said that the Economics Ministry is working on the matter in the context of Latvia's overall energy security and ways to secure alternative supply sources to Russian gas imports. 

Citing a previous analysis, Karins said that the Baltic region would need one more LNG terminal but that before discussions about its potential location, the Economics Ministry must learn about existing projects and their potential developers. Later, a perspective project that could be develop on Latvian soil might be prioritized for fast-track development, envisaging a shortened period for the environmental impact assessment. 

"I do not know yet of any project that would be ready and could be supported, but if some candidate had such a project, this would be the direction for us to follow," Karins said. 

The prime minister said that if the situation in Russia does not change, Latvia has to be able to secure LNG deliveries from alternative suppliers. 

De Factor, an analytical news program of Latvian Television, reported earlier that at least four potential developers are showing interest in building an LNG terminal in Latvia and that have been seeking an opportunity to present their projects to the Economics Ministry.