Wind Power Plant Operation Rules Must Be Developed by End of Year
Amendments to the Electricity Market Law, effective June 27, require the Cabinet of Ministers to adopt clear regulations for wind turbine operation – including noise and shadow flicker limits – and decommissioning rules for all power generation and storage facilities by the end of 2026.
On June 27, amendments to the Electricity Market Law came into force, mandating the Cabinet of Ministers to establish operational requirements for wind power plants, their enforcement and supervision procedures, as well as decommissioning rules for electricity generation equipment and storage facilities by the end of this year. The explanatory note states that previous legal acts were fragmented and vague, causing public concern about noise and shadow flicker, and a lack of oversight.
The new Article 22.² of the law stipulates that wind turbines with a capacity of 1 MW or more must comply with limits on noise levels, visual impact (shadow flicker), and technical equipment conformity with environmental and safety regulations. Stricter requirements may be set in environmental impact assessments, development permits, or technical conditions issued by the State Environmental Service (VVD). The VVD will supervise compliance and may suspend operations for violations, following procedures under pollution legislation.
The amendments also introduce Article 31.⁸, applicable to all electricity generation and storage units. After decommissioning, operators must notify the system operator, dismantle the equipment, demolish structures, recycle materials, and restore the site in line with environmental regulations. The Cabinet must issue detailed rules by December 31, 2026, covering dismantling, waste management, site restoration, and financial guarantees.
Additionally, a new term – "cross-border installation" – is defined as an electricity generation or storage facility located simultaneously in Latvia and another EU member state and connected to the Latvian power system.
