Drop in CO₂ emissions

The information included in a collection of statistics Environment of Latvia in Figures: Climate Change, Natural Resources and Environmental Quality 2021 released by the Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia (CSB) shows that energy sector CO₂ emissions fell by 15 % in 2020.

The highest greenhouse gas pollution in Latvia is caused by the energy sector emitting 6 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent annually (60–70 % of the total pollution). The largest share in the greenhouse gas emissions is formed by CO₂ (carbon dioxide) that mainly arises from burning fossil fuels (oil products, coal, natural gas, etc.). In 2020, compared to 2019, CO₂ emissions reduced by 1.44 million tonnes or 15 %.

In Latvia, CO₂ intensity is gradually declining, and in 2020 the number was 8.7 % smaller than in 2019. Moreover, it has dropped by 40 % over the last decade. In 2020, compared to 2019, emissions from transport sector reduced by 6.1 %.

In 2021 average EU CO₂ allowance price 2.2 times higher than a year ago

In 2021 average EU price of a CO₂ emission allowance on the European Energy Exchange constituted EUR 54.13 per tonne of CO₂ equivalent, while in 2020 it was 2.2 times lower – EUR 24.37. Since 2017 the price has grown 9.3 times (from EUR 5.80 to 54.13 per tonne of CO₂ equivalent).

Latvian energy dependence 45.5 % in 2020

In 2020 Latvian energy dependence constituted 45.5 %, and over the year it grew by 1.6 percentage points. Lithuania had the highest energy dependence among the Baltic states – 74.9 %, while Estonia 10.5 %. The energy dependence expressed as a percentage shows the share of energy that needs to be imported to meet a country's energy demand.

Sharp natural gas price upturn for households in the first half of 2022

In the first half of 2022, compared to the first half of 2021, the average price of natural gas (incl. taxes) increased by EUR 23.8, doubling from EUR 23.4 to 47.2 per GJ for households consuming less than 20 GJ annually. For households consuming more than 20 GJ annually, price per GJ increased by EUR 8.5 reaching EUR 20.5 (incl. taxes).

Gas prices for household consumers are available in the OSP database table ENC020.

Latvia has the highest electricity price for medium-sized households in the Baltic states

In 2021 the average electricity price for medium-sized households in Latvia constituted EUR 0.1645 per kWh, followed by Estonia with EUR 0.1632 and Lithuania with EUR 0.1413. However the price for medium-sized non-household end users was the lowest among the Baltic states – EUR 0.143 per kWh.

Electricity prices for household consumers are available in the OSP database table ENC040.

Latvian share of energy produced from renewable sources in the gross final energy consumption has been the highest in the Baltic countries for the past decade: it reached 42.1 % in 2020 exceeding the 40 %¹ target set in the National Energy and Climate Plan.

Almost half of all heat produced in Latvia is generated in Riga, the rest in similar proportions is generated in other regions. The majority or 62.7 % of the fuel consumed in Riga is formed by fossil fuels. While in Vidzeme, Kurzeme and Zemgale on average 88 % are taken by renewable sources. In Latgale the shares are almost similar – fossil fuels take 44.9 % and renewable sources 55.1 %.

Statistics for generated heat by fuel type in planning regions, municipalities and cities is available in the OSP database table ENB200.

The second paragraph was changed on 16 December 2022. Originally it was published "the energy sector emitting 8 thousand tonnes of CO₂ equivalent annually". Corrected to "the energy sector emitting 6 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent annually".

Publication Environment of Latvia in Figures: Climate Change, Natural Resources and Environmental Quality 2021 contains information on the emission of polluting substances into the atmosphere from stationary sources, environmental quality, household and hazardous waste, air emission and material flow accounts², as well as investments for environmental protection and current expenditure on environmental protection. Comparisons of the key figures among the EU and Baltic countries are given as well.

¹ National Energy and Climate Plan for 2021–2030

² Air emission accounts record and present data on emissions into the air in breakdown by emitting economic activity, covering both production and consumption. Material flow accounts cover all solid, gaseous, and liquid materials (raw materials, processed and unprocessed materials, residues, etc. materials, except for flows of air and water) having economic value and used in national economies. Material flow is measured in mass units per year.

Media requests:
Communication Section
E-mail: media@csp.gov.lv
Phone: +371 27880666

More information on data:
Sintija Ancāne
Environment and Energy Statistics Section
E-mail: Sintija.Ancane@csp.gov.lv
Phone: +371 67366956