SIA “Rīgas ūdens” has signed a contract for the expansion of the anaerobic digester facility at the Daugavgrīva Wastewater Treatment Plant. This is one of the largest and most technically complex water management projects in Latvia, which will significantly increase Riga’s sewage sludge treatment capacity and support “Rīgas ūdens” in its strategic progress towards energy neutrality. The total contract value is EUR 54.7 million (excluding VAT), and the project will be implemented by SIA “Industry Service Partner”. Construction is scheduled to begin this year and to be completed within four to five years.
The purpose of the anaerobic digester expansion project is to address the current capacity shortfall, which prevents the full treatment of sludge generated during the wastewater purification process. The project foresees the construction of two new digesters with a total volume of 12,000 m³, ensuring the complete anaerobic treatment of all wastewater sludge while significantly increasing biogas production. Implementation of the project is also a crucial step towards enabling the Daugavgrīva Wastewater Treatment Plant to achieve up to 85% energy neutrality, comply with European Union requirements, and avoid financial and environmental sustainability risks.
Krišjānis Krūmiņš, Chairman of the Board of SIA “Rīgas ūdens”, said:
“This project is a major investment in the quality of life for all of us – it means a cleaner environment, more efficient use of resources, and reduced odour emissions in the urban area. Once the new digesters are built, we will no longer have untreated sludge that, due to current capacity limitations, must be stored at the Vārnukrogs site. Moreover, the increased treatment capacity and upgraded infrastructure at the digester facility will soon enable us to substantially boost renewable energy production for wastewater treatment needs. This is an investment with long-term benefits for both the city’s residents and its infrastructure. We are confident that the project will be implemented safely and to the highest quality standards without interrupting the operation of the existing treatment facilities.”
Following an internationally open public procurement procedure, the offer submitted by SIA “Industry Service Partner” – with a contract value of EUR 54.7 million (excluding VAT) – was recognised as the most economically advantageous. The project will involve not only the construction of two new anaerobic digesters, but also a range of other engineering solutions connected to the existing wastewater treatment system, such as utility networks, auxiliary buildings, and site redevelopment, without which the digesters could not operate technologically.
The project will be financed from bond programme proceeds, loans from financial institutions – including the European Investment Bank – as well as the company’s own equity.
About SIA “Rīgas ūdens”
SIA “Rīgas ūdens” is the largest water utility company in Latvia, providing water abstraction, treatment, and supply, as well as wastewater collection and treatment services in Riga and the surrounding area. The company’s priorities are delivering high-quality services, developing infrastructure, and ensuring sustainable use of resources. “Rīgas ūdens” is the first municipal company in Latvia to secure financing through the capital market and the first company in Northern Europe to issue bonds in accordance with the European Green Bond (EuGB) Standard.