Waste-to-Energy plant for Gren in Acone, Latvia
Improving national energy independence and sustainable handling of waste
Gren is developing a new Waste‑to‑Energy (WtE) facility in Acone, near Riga in Latvia. The new facility will transform how the region manages waste, turning non-recyclable materials into vital heat and power while reducing landfill usage. AFRY has contributed to the project with concept review, pre‑engineering and preparatory works for the EPCM phase.
Project highlights
Project
New Waste-to-Energy plant, CHP
Client
Gren
Project duration
Pre-Engineering 2024-2025, preparatory works for EPCM 2025/2026
Project location
Acone, Riga, Latvia
Capacity
1 x 200 000 t/a
AFRY’s services delivered
- Concept review
- Pre-engineering
- Preparatory works for the EPCM (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management) phase
Plant description
- New Waste-to-energy plant, CHP
- Fuel and slag handling
- Grate boiler (80 MWf), Semidry Flue gas treatment system incl. CR and FGC, Turbine, Balance of Plant, Civil
- Electrification, Instrumentation, and DCS system
Reducing waste and powering homes
Today, roughly 40% of household waste in Latvia ends up in landfills. Much of this material holds untapped potential for energy recovery. With EU legislation calling for stricter landfill limits, the country needs modern solutions for waste that cannot be recycled.
Gren is developing a new Waste-to-Energy (WtE) facility in Acone, near Riga, to meet this challenge. The plant is designed to be a modern combined heat and power (CHP) facility. It will process between 150,000 and 200,000 tonnes of waste annually, converting it into sustainable energy for the region's residents and businesses.
The project represents a significant move toward national energy independence and environmental responsibility.
AFRY's role in the project
By partnering with Gren, we help ensure the facility is designed to high standards of efficiency, low emissions and safety, setting a strong foundation for its operational life.
Peter Kling, VP of Waste-to-Energy and Power-to-X at AFRY.
AFRY supports the project with our engineering expertise. Our team has contributed significantly during the early stages, providing services across concept review, pre-engineering, including the purchasing of main equipment (Boiler, Flue gas treatment, Turbine, ACC, Waste grab crane), and preparatory works for EPCM, including Basic design of Process, Layout, Civil, Electrification, I&C, and MEQ supplier’s design coordination.
