Cobalt has successfully represented Eolus Vind subsidiary Pienava Wind before Latvia's Administrative Regional Court in a dispute against the Tukums Municipality for the approval of the construction of a 22-turbine wind farm.
According to the firm, on March 25, 2020, the Tukums Municipality refused to authorize the construction of the Pienava wind farm. "On May 10, 2022, the Administrative Regional Court fully upheld the application of Pienava Wind, declaring that the decision of the Tukums Municipality was unlawful and ordering the Municipality to approve the construction of the wind farm," Cobalt informed.
"The Court held that, in the process of approving the proposed activity, the economic and social interests of society must be fairly balanced with the interests of environmental protection," Cobalt added. "The Court made a very important conclusion for the renewable energy industry, namely that the transition to renewable energy sources is not only important for the development of sustainable energy, energy security, and the energy independence of the European Union but also effectively contributes to stopping the adverse effects of climate change and helps to achieve climate neutrality."
According to the firm, consequently, the Tukums Municipality complied with the judgment of the Administrative Regional Court and adopted a decision to approve the construction of the wind farm in the Tukums Municipality on May 25, 2022. "The Pienava wind farm will consist of 22 turbines and it is intended to invest EUR 150 million in its development."
Eolus Vind is a Sweden-headquartered commercial wind power developer with wind power plants with a combined effect of approximately 1,414 megawatts globally. The company has ongoing constructions in Sweden, Norway, and the United States, and is also active in Finland, Poland, Estonia, and Latvia.
The Cobalt team included Managing Partner Lauris Liepa, Partner Gatis Flinters, Specialist Counsel Martins Aljens, and Associate Arturs Valdersteins.