Latvia's challenge is to ensure energy independence from Russia in very short term - Karins

RIGA - Latvia's challenge in the energy sector is to ensure energy independence from Russia in a very short term, including by developing new natural gas supply ways and developing use of renewable energy resources, said Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins (New Unity) at AC/DC Tech 2022 energy forum today.

He said that by gaining energy independence, Latvia would be free from any possibilities of external forces to dictate regulations to Latvian politically and economically.

The prime minister also underscored that Russia's warfare in Ukraine and the following crisis should be considered as a possibility to solve issues that have been ignored for years.

Karins said that in the present situation, the Baltic states need at least one more liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal. The fastest solution would be the Paldiski project in Estonia where infrastructure can be built quickly. Therefore, Latvia and its cooperation partners actively work on this project.

Still, Latvia needs also a long-term solution that would ensure the lowest price possible. One of the solutions might be construction of an LNG terminal in Latvia.

The main topic of AC/DC Tech 2022 forum is active client, geopolitics and energy supplies.