Estonian energy company Evecon and French asset manager Mirova have recently celebrated a significant milestone in the renewable energy landscape of the Baltic region with the launch of the Kirikmäe solar park.
This impressive facility boasts a capacity of 77.53 MW, positioning it as the largest solar park in the Baltics, effectively doubling the capacity of the previous largest operational solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in Estonia.
Located in Pärnu County, in southwest Estonia, the Kirikmäe solar park is a testament to the growing commitment to renewable energy in the region. The Kirikmäe solar park is owned by the Baltic Renewable Energy Platform (BREP), a joint venture established in 2022 between Evecon and Mirova.
This partnership aims to finance, build, and operate a robust portfolio of solar PV projects, with a goal of exceeding 100 MWp of installed capacity across Estonia. The significance of this venture cannot be overstated; it marks a major step forward in the transition to sustainable energy sources, both for Estonia and the broader Baltic region.
Construction of the Kirikmäe solar park commenced in April and was completed in an impressive six-month timeframe, underscoring the efficiency and dedication of the project team.
The engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor for the project, Wiso Engineering, played a crucial role in bringing this ambitious project to fruition. A total of 117,600 high-quality solar panels, supplied by Canadian Solar, were installed, showcasing the technological advancements and commitment to quality that underpin this significant investment.
Karl Kull, CEO of Evecon, articulated the project's broader implications, stating, “The construction of the Kirikmäe solar park is a landmark event for the entire Baltic region due to the size of the production unit and the scale of the investment.
Including the Imavere and Lohu mets solar parks, which were opened by Evecon and Mirova just a few days ago, more than 100 MW of production capacity will be added to the local market within one week. This represents about one-tenth of the total solar capacity currently produced in Estonia.”
Such a rapid expansion of capacity illustrates a growing momentum in the region's energy transition, paving the way for increased reliance on clean energy sources.
The Kirikmäe solar park is not an isolated achievement for Evecon; the company has actively pursued partnerships to enhance its renewable energy portfolio in the Baltics.
Earlier this year, Evecon joined forces with Niam Infrastructure, a clean energy investment company, to develop an 84 MW solar-plus-storage portfolio in Latvia. This ambitious project will be executed in two phases: the first phase involves the construction of 40 MW of solar PV across six sites, expected to be operational by the end of March 2025.
The second phase, comprising an additional 44 MW, is anticipated to commence before the end of 2025. Notably, this project will also incorporate 26 MW of battery energy storage systems, further enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the energy generated.
The Kirikmäe solar park, along with the broader initiatives undertaken by Evecon and its partners, reflects a commitment to addressing energy challenges through innovative solutions.
The growth of solar energy capacity not only helps mitigate carbon emissions but also enhances energy security and fosters economic growth within the region. As Estonia and the Baltics strive to meet their renewable energy targets, projects like the Kirikmäe solar park will serve as critical building blocks in creating a sustainable energy future.
The collaboration between Evecon and Mirova in launching the Kirikmäe solar park represents a significant advancement in the renewable energy sector in Estonia and the Baltics.
With ambitious projects on the horizon, the focus on solar energy will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the region's energy landscape for years to come. The partnership exemplifies the potential for renewable energy investments to drive economic growth while contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
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