Gren continues to improve Jelgava’s district heating efficiency: 20 MW electrode hot water boiler begins operation
Energy company Gren, continuing to improve the efficiency of Jelgava’s district heating system, has commissioned a new 20 MW fast-response electrode hot water boiler—an independent, zero-emission heat generation unit. It will serve two primary functions: producing heat to promote sustainable and competitive district heating for the residents of Jelgava, and participating in electricity system balancing.
Andris Vanags, Gren Country Manager for Latvia: “The foundation of Jelgava’s district heating is sustainable biomass—a local, renewable resource. With this electrode hot water boiler project, we are taking the next step in improving system efficiency and advancing the electrification of district heating by integrating the opportunities offered by the electricity market. The company’s ability to produce heat using the most cost-effective available energy resource and to participate in electricity system balancing is the direction of modern, future-oriented district heating — one that enhances long-term competitiveness and security of supply and delivers benefits to customers.”
The new electrode hot water boiler will produce heat when electricity exchange prices are favourable, enabling more efficient use of energy resources. Within Gren’s heat generation portfolio in Jelgava, the new boiler will primarily reduce the consumption of imported natural gas during peak load periods in winter and during scheduled maintenance at the biomass combined heat and power (CHP) plant. Reducing natural gas consumption will also lower CO₂ emissions, reinforcing Gren’s commitment to achieving climate neutrality.
The electrode hot water boiler is a fast-response unit capable of reaching its full 20 MW capacity within 60 seconds. This allows it to operate as a powerful and flexible electricity consumer and to participate effectively in electricity balancing market, which is important for the stability of the region’s energy system.
Gren’s total investment in the project amounts to approximately two million euros. The electrode hot water boiler is housed in a new, compact building at the Gren biomass CHP plant in Jelgava. The project’s general contractor, SIA “Industry Service Partners,” began construction work in August 2025. The unit was commissioned at the end of March 2026.
This is Gren’s first district heating electrification project in Latvia, marking the company’s move towards more active participation in electricity system balancing.