On October 17, the conference “EnergoDialogs 2025”, organized by the Vidzeme Planning Region, took place in Līgatne at the creative quarter “Zeit”. The event brought together 79 participants – representatives of national and local government institutions, municipalities, businesses, and industry organizations, as well as stakeholders of the RESONANCE project, to discuss two of the most important themes for achieving climate neutrality: building energy efficiency and sustainable transport in regions.

According to data from the Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia, the energy sector, including transport, accounts for around 65% of total greenhouse gas emissions in the country. This was also highlighted by Kārlis Mendziņš, representative of the Latvian Electric Vehicle Association, who emphasized: “In Latvia, where transport remains the most challenging sector in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, technological solutions already exist, yet the faster development of electrification is hindered by a lack of political will and clear targets.”

He noted that transport and mobility should become an integral part of the energy sector – not only consuming energy but also providing feedback, for example through vehicles capable of supplying electricity back to the grid, or through smart lighting solutions that help reduce consumption and improve traffic safety.

Special attention in the conference programme was devoted to the transport session “Alternative Fuels in Vidzeme: Electrification, Hydrogen, and Biomethane in Transport”, where experts from companies and industry organizations analysed regional mobility development and investment opportunities, as well as evaluated pilot project experiences and regulatory challenges.

During the session, Krista Pētersone, representative of the Vidzeme Planning Region, introduced participants to the objectives of the RESONANCE project, emphasizing the importance of energy efficiency and its benefits for infrastructure improvement. She also mentioned municipalities that are actively working in this area and encouraged participants to share experiences and best practices.

Participants expressed interest in taking part in project activities, visiting good practice examples, and sharing knowledge, to jointly strengthen the capacity of regions to implement climate-neutral solutions.

Speakers stressed that the development of sustainable mobility is not only a technological matter – it also requires political will, a stable regulatory framework, and investment security. Experts agreed that a one-size-fits-all approach does not work, and that locally adapted models are essential to ensure effective and lasting change.

As part of the conference, a panel discussion on energy efficiency policy was also held, featuring Tālivaldis Vectirāns, representative of the Ministry of Transport, alongside sector experts and municipal representatives. The discussion highlighted the importance of policy coherence and the need to reduce bureaucratic barriers, enabling innovation and smart technologies to be implemented more widely. Participants agreed that the use of smart solutions, data, and technology can significantly reduce energy consumption and emissions, while also improving quality of life in cities and regions.

In conclusion, participants agreed that the development of sustainable mobility and energy efficiency in Latvia requires close cooperation between the state, municipalities, businesses, and society. Only through well-considered, locally adapted approaches and efficient use of existing resources can long-term results be achieved that meet both people’s needs and environmental objectives. Participants emphasized the importance of active exchange of experience and joint regional projects to test new technologies in practice and accelerate their implementation. The discussion also pointed out the need to improve the public procurement system, as the lowest-price principle often hinders the introduction of innovative and sustainable solutions.

The conference was organized by the Vidzeme Planning Region within the framework of the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme projects RenoWave and HyTruck, the Interreg Europe Programme projects RESONANCE and SPOTLOG, as well as the European Regional Development Fund’s Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument project H2Value.

On 17 October 2025, the conference “EnergoDialogs 2025” took place in Līgatne, bringing together more than 70 participants — municipal specialists, policy-makers, entrepreneurs, sector experts and regional mobility stakeholders. As part of the event, a SPOTLOG stakeholder meeting was held within the panel discussion “Alternative fuels in Vidzeme: electrification, hydrogen and biomethane in transport”, bringing together partners and regional actors involved in last-mile logistics and sustainable mobility.

Although the overall conference programme addressed a broad range of climate-neutrality topics, this session placed particular focus on sustainable transport, regional mobility and alternative fuel infrastructure — themes of high relevance for both Vidzeme and the SPOTLOG project partners, as they directly influence the efficiency of logistics and the availability of services in sparsely populated areas.

The event was opened by Inese Suija-Markova, Chair of the Vidzeme Planning Region Development Council, who emphasised that climate-neutrality policy is not an abstract goal — it is implemented in real places, regions and communities. Therefore, both national support instruments and locally developed solutions are essential, including those related to the transformation of the mobility and logistics sector.

In the first part of the day, participants heard updates on climate and energy policy. Aija Timofejeva from the Ministry of Climate and Energy underlined the critical role of local authorities in implementing change, while Kārlis Mendziņš (Latvian Electric Vehicle Association) noted that although zero-emission mobility technologies are already available, their wider uptake is hindered by a lack of political certainty and limited public readiness. This is particularly relevant for SPOTLOG, as it directly affects the development of last-mile logistics solutions in regions.

During the panel discussion “Alternative fuels in Vidzeme: electrification, hydrogen and biomethane in transport”, experts assessed technological developments and regulatory changes shaping innovative mobility and logistics services in the regions.

Transport expert Kristīne Malnača highlighted that modern transport infrastructure includes not only roads and railways, but also digital and energy infrastructure, all of which ensure connectivity and logistics efficiency.

Raimonds Jurgelis, founder of the start-up Bruntor, presented practical solutions for last-mile deliveries and other operational needs, emphasising that the introduction of innovative light electric vehicles is most often hindered not by the lack of technology, but by inflexible regulations and procurement rules that do not accommodate new solutions.

Meanwhile, Kristīne Veģere (Virši) and Aivars Starikovs (Latvian Hydrogen Association) underlined the importance of biomethane and hydrogen in decarbonising regional services, including their potential to support the circular economy and provide alternative fuels for regional transport.

The conference was organised by the Vidzeme Planning Region as part of the Interreg Baltic Sea Region projects RenoWave and HyTruck, the Interreg Europe projects RESONANCE and SPOTLOG, as well as the H2Value project funded by the European Regional Development Fund’s Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument.

As part of the SPOTLOG project, Vidzeme Planning Region invited Aleksandrs Kotļars from Riga Technical University (RTU), identified in the project as a stakeholder, to share his insights. RTU involvement is significant for providing research-based conclusions that not only help address logistics challenges in Vidzeme, but also offer an internationally relevant perspective on the future of sustainable mobility.

Aleksandrs Kotļars, researcher at Riga Technical University (RTU), is conducting research within the Trans4Eco project to support the shift from traditional diesel-based logistics to green alternatives, such as electric vehicles, hydrogen and other low-emission solutions for the last mile. His work focuses on developing dynamic models that help logistics providers and businesses make informed decisions during this transition.

Kotļars explains that two complementary models are being elaborated. The first supports logistics providers in moving from diesel to alternative transport. The second serves as a decision-making tool to strengthen cooperation between businesses, enabling closer collaboration across the supply chain. “It’s not only about imagining future scenarios — it’s about creating practical tools that help companies and municipalities make informed choices,” he notes.

The research relies on extensive data collection and market analysis across Europe, including cooperation with global logistics providers active in the Baltic States.

Yet several critical challenges persist. Infrastructure and investment gaps remain the most pressing, particularly in low-density rural areas. Fiscal impacts on municipalities dependent on fuel tax revenues and limited awareness among stakeholders and consumers are also major barriers.

A central part of the research is showing how digitalization can transform logistics. Predictive and prescriptive analytics allow companies to plan procurement, manage supply chains and measure the sustainability impacts of new transport modes.

Looking ahead, Kotļars highlights AI-based platforms as a significant trend: “We are moving from the information era to the intelligence era. AI tools will help coordinate all stakeholders — shippers, transport companies, brokers and customers — within a single system.”

Kotļars also points to the growing importance of regional logistics hubs to avoid inefficiencies such as underutilized green vehicles producing more CO₂ than diesel. Moreover, changing consumer behavior — for example, the rise of vehicle leasing — requires adaptive logistics solutions.

As part of the SPOTLOG project, Vidzeme Planning Region presents a video interview with Raimonds Jurgelis, co-founder of the Latvian start-up Bruntor. The company has developed an electric cargo scooter that is already known and used in daily operations both in Latvia and beyond. In Vidzeme, the solution has also been introduced through testing with local companies, helping them explore its potential for future use. Bruntor’s story illustrates how start-up innovations can drive the development of last-mile solutions and provide ideas relevant for sustainable mobility internationally.

Initially targeting consumers with small personal vehicles, Bruntor soon realized that professional markets held greater potential.

This decision led Bruntor to transition from consumer markets to business and government partnerships, most notably collaborating with Latvian Post and PostNord in Denmark. Tests showed significant results: workload was reduced, and deliveries became faster and more efficient.

At the same time, regulatory barriers proved to be a challenge. The scooter, with its four wheels and no seat, did not fit neatly into any existing vehicle category.

Recent regulatory updates, however, are opening new opportunities for Bruntor to operate more freely in international markets.

Looking ahead, Bruntor’s development could involve not only providing delivery services directly but also expanding international cooperation, entering new markets, and forming partnerships with logistics companies. Such solutions could become an important part of sustainable urban mobility plans.

Bruntor is a solution created in Latvia with international potential. The company’s active work is proof that innovative and competitive products are being developed here, capable of addressing global challenges in mobility and sustainability.

On the 12th of February, Vidzeme Planning Region organized a seminar “Drone Data Collection and Processing – use cases in Latvia” in Valmiermuiža as part of the “Smart Skies” project, bringing together 50 participants from Latvia and Estonia.

The seminar program was designed to introduce the current examples of drone use in Latvian municipalities, as well as share the experience of leading companies in Latvia. Large enterprises, such as LMT and Latvian State Forests have already taken great strides in the application and development of unmanned aviation solutions.

Kārlis Linde, the head of unmanned aircraft exploitation at “Latvijas valsts meži” (Latvian State Forests), told how since 2014, when the first drone flights were carried out for land surveying purposes, the company has gradually become one of the pioneers in UAV applications. Since then it has grown to a large fleet of more than 170 drones and 500 trained pilots.

A useful assistant for LSF specialists in forestry work is the DJI “Mavic 3” series drone, which was demonstrated in action by the drone service and training company “dronueksperts.lv”.

Experts from “Latvijas Mobilais Telefons” (Latvian Mobile Telephone) also emphasized the importance of drone pilot training in their presentation, also outlining the company’s innovation development directions. LMT, together with Riga Municipal Police, is working on the “5G4Lives” project, which will ensure drone flights beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) using 5G network coverage.

Similarly, the head of LMT UAV pilot training, Mikus Porietis, highlighted the importance of a common understanding of the existing airspace regulation for all those involved in the operation and monitoring of drone flights. The main flight supervisor is the Civil Aviation Agency, and the airspace for flights is limited by the restriction zones set out on the “Latvian Air Traffic” map, not by any internal municipal regulations.

Representatives from the Valmiera County and Riga City municipalities also shared their experience in the use of unmanned aircraft.

Riga Municipal police will pilot this solution in Vecāķi beach and Lake Ķīšezers. Testing BVLOS flights is also an ambition of Valmiera Municipality, in addition to already exploiting drones with direct presence of an operator.

The event was attended by 50 participants from both Latvia and Estonia – representatives of local governments, state institutions, academic sector, as well as technology companies, using the opportunity to establish contacts and discuss current issues in the field.

Such seminars are organized quarterly within the framework of the “Smart Skies” project with the aim of creating a common contact network – a unified “drone ecosystem” – to bring together the interested parties.

More information about the “Smart Skies” project – here.

The project “Joint development of drone-based municipal services” (Smart Skies (EE-LV00141)) is implemented with the financial support of the EU Interreg Estonia-Latvia program for 2021–2027.

This message reflects the author’s opinion. The program’s managing authority is not responsible for the possible use of the information contained therein.

Following the guidance of the HyTruck project and Vidzeme Planning Region, a regional spatial development concept for hydrogen refuelling stations (HRS) has been developed. The study identifies Salaspils, located approximately 18 kilometres from Riga, the capital of Latvia, as the most suitable site for the country’s first hydrogen refuelling station complying with the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR). This selection was based on criteria such as freight traffic intensity and proximity to major transport hubs, including the TEN-T network.

The developed document can serve as a support tool for public institutions, helping to address spatial, environmental, and economic aspects. It can also be referenced in development planning documents and considered for use in the development of funding programs.

The study results indicate that the Salaspils intermodal freight terminal, located 10 kilometres from the core TEN-T network, provides access to railway infrastructure and has the potential to support the development of hydrogen infrastructure in the Baltic region. The concept recommends initially establishing a small-capacity hydrogen refuelling station (0.5 t/day), which would reduce initial investments, mitigate financial risks, and provide practical experience in infrastructure operation. As demand for hydrogen in the transport sector grows, the station’s capacity could be increased by installing additional storage units.

To support the development of a hydrogen network in the Baltic region, the study also analysed potential locations for hydrogen refuelling stations in Estonia, identifying Pärnu as the most suitable site. This assessment was based on the strategic importance of the TEN-T E67 (Via Baltica) route and the EU’s AFIR requirement to ensure cross-border infrastructure coverage.

The concept highlights that state sector support may be necessary during the initial market development phase. According to the EU AFIR regulation, a future network of stations should ensure TEN-T coverage with stations located every 200 kilometres. The successful implementation of this phase will depend on available funding and growing demand for hydrogen in the transport sector.

During the concept development process, representatives from both the public and private sectors were informed and engaged in discussions. These discussions addressed hydrogen technologies, demand and supply forecasts, and the evaluation of the most suitable locations for the first hydrogen refuelling stations in Latvia and Estonia, in line with AFIR requirements.

Participants emphasized the necessity of establishing a hydrogen refuelling station network to promote the use of hydrogen-powered heavy-duty vehicles. Particular focus was placed on ensuring hydrogen is financially competitive with existing fuels. State sector involvement, such as subsidies and tax incentives, was identified as critical for developing the hydrogen transport ecosystem. The Baltic Hydrogen Corridor and a potential pipeline connection to the European Union were highlighted as vital future infrastructure elements, emphasizing the importance of cost-effective supply solutions.

Additionally, developing the local heavy-duty vehicle market and stimulating demand for hydrogen-powered vehicles were seen as essential prerequisites for advancing the hydrogen ecosystem. However, the conversion of diesel engines to hydrogen fuel was considered unlikely due to technical and legislative barriers. Discussions also included a proposal to explore the use of smaller-scale heavy-duty vehicles and hydrogen buses, which could help generate local hydrogen demand.

The concept was developed by the consultancy firm Ernst & Young Baltic Ltd.

On November 22, a seminar titled “Challenges and Solutions for Transport Decarbonization” was held in Cēsis, bringing together industry experts, entrepreneurs, and municipal representatives. The discussions emphasized that reducing emissions in Latvia’s transport sector is critical to achieving the country’s climate goals. However, success depends on the comprehensive integration of policies, societal engagement, and technological tools.

Associate Professor Aiga Barisa from Riga Technical University introduced the CommitClimate simulator, developed under the Interreg BSR project. This tool helps municipalities evaluate current CO2 emissions and predict the impact of various policy scenarios. As Professor Barisa explained, the simulator provides clear insights into the total emission reductions achievable in tons, as well as the consequences of delayed decision-making. Using system dynamics modeling, the simulator operates with minimal input data, leveraging national and centralized datasets to deliver precise results. It not only calculates emissions but also analyzes the impact of policies and other factors on overall outcomes, helping municipalities draft effective climate neutrality plans. This is especially critical for the transport sector, where emissions have a significant impact, yet data on mobility and logistics is often lacking.

During the seminar, Pīpkalēja presented the SPOTLOG project, which aims to develop green and socially responsible logistics systems, reduce carbon emissions, and optimize resource use. She emphasized the importance of enhancing regional policies and cross-sector collaboration for sustainable logistics. The project also showcased effective innovations, such as digital twin technologies, shared mobility services, and innovative delivery models, which significantly reduce emissions and operational costs. The project proposes improvements to regional policy instruments to promote carbon-neutral mobility and inclusive logistics, with a particular focus on the need for Vidzeme’s regional development program to address sustainable urban logistics.

Armands Gūtmanis, head of the Latvian Climate Neutrality Cluster, underlined that transport, like the building sector, poses one of the biggest challenges in implementing climate policies. Gūtmanis warned that Latvia risks financial penalties for failing to meet decarbonization targets, which would ultimately burden taxpayers. He stressed the urgent need for high-capacity charging infrastructure for heavy transport and pointed out that transitioning to electricity or other alternative fuels will require significant subsidies.

Justs Dimants, economist and lead researcher at the Latvian Climate Neutrality Cluster, led a workshop to facilitate discussions among stakeholders. The workshop aimed to identify key obstacles hindering business progress toward decarbonization and model optimal future scenarios, including necessary tax, subsidy, and infrastructure support mechanisms. Discussions also addressed sector-wide challenges, considering perspectives from both businesses and policymakers.

Participants evaluated the availability of EU funds and proposed ways to improve access to support for businesses. Additionally, they discussed current tax policies and potential incentives to encourage companies to transition to low-emission transport. Infrastructure development received particular attention, with discussions focusing on how private and public sectors could collaborate more effectively.

Participants suggested enhancing municipal support mechanisms, such as offering property tax reductions for land used to build production facilities or alternative fuel stations. They also agreed that market development requires subsidies for both supply and demand stimulation. A motivating mechanism for municipalities was proposed, such as increasing state budget allocations from the Municipal Financial Equalization Fund for those that effectively achieve decarbonization targets.