Elenger Completes the First Biomethane or Green Gas Transaction in Latvia
Elenger, the largest private energy company in the Baltic and Finnish region, has successfully completed the first commercial biomethane or green gas transaction in Latvia. Namely, the company has ensured the supply and sale of biomethane to a customer.
“This transaction marks a significant shift in the direction of Latvian businesses and the state towards sustainable energy solutions, fostering the development of greener energy. It is also an important step towards Elenger’s goal of becoming the leading biomethane trader in the Baltics, enabling us to diversify our energy portfolio and expand our renewable energy offerings. We not only plan to produce biomethane ourselves – in fact, we are currently building a new biomethane production facility in Estonia and hope to expand in this sector in Latvia as well – but also to strengthen cooperation with other European producers. This will allow us to deliver biomethane to customers in the Latvia at the most competitive price,” says Dāvis Skulte, Chairman of the Board of Elenger SIA.
“Biomethane is a renewable and environmentally friendly energy resource with a composition that is largely identical to natural gas. It can be used in the same applications as natural gas – both for heat production and as a fuel for transportation. Although biomethane is unlikely to completely replace natural gas, its combined use with natural gas allows several industries, such as manufacturing, transportation, and heating, to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, biomethane does not require any technical modifications to existing systems – all natural gas equipment is fully compatible with biomethane usage. We are pleased that companies in Latvia, such as Schneider Electric Latvija, are already choosing to use biomethane alongside natural gas, thereby promoting the adoption of more sustainable energy solutions,” says Dāvis Skulte.
As part of the transaction, Elenger will supply biomethane to Ltd. Schneider Electric Latvija, which leases office space in a building owned by Ltd. BLRT Invest Latvia.
“Schneider Electric has set a global goal to transition its office energy supply entirely to renewable sources by 2030, eliminating reliance on fossil fuels. This commitment extends to Latvia, where the Schneider Electric office must also use energy exclusively from renewable sources for heating and electricity. This initiative further reinforces why Schneider Electric was recognized as the world’s most sustainable company for the second time in January 2025,” notes Igors Golubev, Schneider Electric Latvia Board Member.
“We take pride in being among the companies driving the transition to sustainable energy use and are delighted to be the first in Latvia to purchase biomethane, also known as green energy. This is a significant achievement for both our company and the industry as a whole, demonstrating that environmentally friendly solutions can be successfully integrated into daily operations. Given that our supplier, SIA Elenger, has already begun the construction of a biomethane production facility, which will help reduce the cost of using green energy, we are fully committed to increasing the share of green energy in our heating and production facilities – not only in Latvia but also within our Group companies in Estonia, Lithuania, and Finland. I am confident that our example will inspire other companies to adopt more sustainable energy sources,” says Roberts Brenčs, CEO of BLRT Invest Latvia.
To facilitate this transaction, Elenger procures biomethane from the Czech Republic and delivers it to Latvia using the unified infrastructure network of AS Conexus Baltic Grid, the unified gas transmission and storage system operator.
“Biomethane is a promising renewable energy resource that can contribute not only to the sustainable development of businesses but also to Latvia’s energy independence. Therefore, we welcome this positive development and the signal it sends to other companies to consider alternative energy sources and value-added services. Conexus’ infrastructure is also ready to provide the necessary support for the wider transportation, trade, and use of biomethane,” says Uldis Bariss, Chairman of the Management Board of AS Conexus Baltic Grid.
“To ensure the most advantageous deal for our customer, we conducted market research across Europe. Currently, we received the best biomethane purchase conditions from the Czech Republic, where biomethane is produced from organic waste. At present, the biomethane market in the Baltics and Europe remains limited – the number of producers is relatively small, and supply possibilities largely depend on cross-border pipeline connections or transit routes. This means that biomethane imports to Latvia are currently possible only from a few countries. However, biomethane production is a highly promising sector, and in the future, and in the future the volume and production of this renewable energy can be significantly increased. To support this growth, state support is also necessary,” adds Dāvis Skulte.
Renewable or green energy can be sourced not only from the sun and wind but also from biodegradable household waste and agricultural by-products, such as manure. Biomethane is produced through a fermentation process in which these organic materials are broken down. One of the key environmental benefits of biomethane is its negative greenhouse gas emissions impact. During its production, methane that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere through natural decomposition is captured, preventing it from contributing to climate change. Biomethane plays a crucial role in the European Union’s strategy to enhance energy independence and transition to more sustainable energy sources. Its major advantage is its compatibility with existing natural gas infrastructure, allowing it to be seamlessly integrated and used as a more environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels.
Elenger is the largest private energy company in the Baltic and Finnish region, operating in six markets – Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Germany. The company serves more than 450 000 customers and employs over 1000 professionals across the Group. Elenger covers the full energy spectrum – from energy sales and trading to energy infrastructure and production. The company supplies Western-sourced natural gas, as well as renewable biomethane, and manages gas distribution networks in Estonia, Latvia and Poland, spanning a total of 9000 km. Additionally, Elenger sells electricity, including green energy produced in its solar parks. Last year, the company opened its first solar power plant in Latvia, located in Nīca, further strengthening its commitment to renewable energy.