Hydrogen production is starting in Jelgava, an aviation fuel plant is planned in Liepāja, and innovations are also emerging elsewhere in Latvia

Latvian companies are increasingly strengthening their position in the European green energy market, showcasing innovations that will soon turn into practical solutions.

Piloting innovations: a hydrogen-electric bus and a freight truck as part of the H2Value project.  Photo: SIA Jelgavas autobusu parks (JAP)

In Riga, hydrogen-electric trolleybuses with route extenders have been operating for several years, and now change is coming to Jelgava as well: in the city’s streets the first hydrogen-electric bus is already running, with a second expected to begin operation in November. The hydrogen for these vehicles will be supplied by local production — the hydrogen plant developed by “AI Cooperation” in Jelgava will run on 100% green electricity, with the produced hydrogen primarily used for public transport. The company plans to expand production to supply other transport sectors, and in the future to develop synthetic fuels, including methanol. At the same time, “AI Cooperation” has developed a new-generation electrolyzer technology that reduces the use of precious metals and makes the unit one-fifth more efficient and durable. This means hydrogen can be produced more cheaply and sustainably than with currently available market technologies. A key role in this innovation is played by “Naco Technologies,” which develops and manufactures nano-coatings for electrolyzers and fuel cells in Latvia, enabling these technologies to become more efficient and competitive in the global market.

Hydrogen-Electric Trolleybus in Riga

A significant investment is also expected in Liepāja, where the “NorSAF” project is underway — by 2030, the largest sustainable aviation fuel (SAF and eSAF) plant in Northern Europe is planned to start operations there. The investment volume is projected to reach up to €600 million, creating dozens of new, highly qualified jobs in the region. “NorSAF” plans to use both locally produced green hydrogen and biogenic CO₂ to manufacture fuel that fully complies with aviation industry requirements and helps reduce dependence on fossil raw materials.

An important role in hydrogen sector infrastructure is played by “HySol” — a company specializing in the development of safe, modular hydrogen refueling solutions. HySol has developed HyPanel — a compact refueling panel (350 bar) — and HyCont — a container station (350/700 bar) suitable both for refueling buses and heavy-duty transport as well as for other mobile refueling applications. The company’s solutions have already been tested in practice, including at Riga Airport, where they were used for refueling ground support equipment, and at Jelgava’s bus depot, where training on safe refueling procedures was also carried out.Other active companies in Latvia — “Catalyco”, “CHTC”, and “LumiSense” — are likewise developing solutions for the hydrogen value chain, spanning from production to applications in transport and energy.

State support is crucial in the hydrogen sector to ensure infrastructure development and attract investment. As Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis emphasized: “Green energy remains a priority in Latvia, and we have every opportunity to become the Baltic leader in hydrogen technology development.” Meanwhile, Ieva Jāgere, Director of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), added: “Latvia is not only adopting technologies but is building a complete value chain — from production to export.”

All these achievements were showcased at the European Hydrogen Valleys Investment Forum 2025, held on September 4–5 in Riga at the Great Hall of the University of Latvia, bringing together around 250 participants from across Europe.

Photo: LIA, European Hydrogen Valleys Investment Forum 2025

The forum featured 31 startups presenting solutions across five technology areas — from hydrogen production and infrastructure to transport and aviation. Among them, eight Latvian companies attracted special attention from investors, while international interest was represented by over 40 venture capital and corporate investors. During the forum, more than 100 individual meetings took place, and eight companies received awards for outstanding presentations, including the Latvian company “Naco Technologies.”