Gren has successfully completed the efficiency improvement project at the Gren Rīga biomass combined heat and power (CHP) plant by installing and integrating a 1.69 MW heat pump into its operations. The heat pump enables the recovery and efficient conversion of low-temperature residual heat from flue gas condensate, thereby increasing the plant’s overall heat production capacity and improving operational efficiency by 5 to 7 percentage points. Following this upgrade, the total efficiency of the CHP plant now exceeds 100%.

Andris Vanags, Gren’s Country Manager in Latvia: “Gren continuously develops and implements new solutions to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact at our production facilities by using modern technologies. The integration of a modern heat pump into the Gren Rīga biomass CHP plant is a significant step towards maximizing the use of residual heat and expanding electrification solutions. Recovering and increasing the temperature of residual heat is a technologically complex process, and the successful execution of such projects within the planned budget, timeline, and quality standards is only possible through the effective work of a professional team. I would like to thank our Gren team and our partners for making this project a reality! This comprehensive solution allows us to optimize resource utilization and provide stable, sustainable, and competitive heat energy to Riga’s residents.”

Gren Rīga biomass CHP plant generates electricity and heat using local, renewable energy resource—sustainably sourced wood chips, certified by the SURE sustainability certification. The plant operates in CHP mode, producing 19 MW of thermal energy and 3.98 MW of electrical energy, while recovering residual heat from flue gases in two stages: 4 MW in the flue gas condenser, and an additional 1.69 MW with the new heat pump.

In 2024, the CHP plant generated 121 GWh of heat energy and 24 GWh of electrical energy. The produced heat energy is sold through AS “Rīgas Siltums” auctions and supplied to Riga’s district heating system, ensuring a sustainable and cost-competitive heat energy for the city.