Riga, Jan 15 (LETA) - Climate and Energy Minister Kaspars Melnis (Greens/Farmers) will pay a regional visit to Saldus district on Thursday, the Climate and Energy Ministry informed LETA.

Melnis will meet with representatives of educational institutions and students, municipal management and local entrepreneurs.

The main objective of the visit is to promote dialogue on sustainable development solutions, climate change mitigation and energy sector progress at regional level.

The visit will start at Broceni Secondary School, where the minister will meet with pupils and teachers to discuss current issues in the climate change and energy sectors.

The minister will then visit the Saldus municipality to discuss the role of municipalities in implementing climate and energy policies. The talks are expected to highlight the importance of local initiatives in developing renewable energy sources, promoting energy efficiency and implementing sustainable solutions.

The minister will also visit the cogeneration plant and biomass pellet production plant Warmeston, which in 2023 posted the second highest turnover in the Saldus region, reaching EUR 36.75 million.

The meeting will highlight the importance of bioenergy in Latvia's energy sector, its role in strengthening energy independence and its potential as a source of sustainable energy in the future, the ministry said.

At the end of the meeting, the minister will visit Jets Vacuum, a company specializing in the development and production of innovative vacuum technologies. He will discuss with representatives of the company advanced technology solutions to mitigate climate change, as well as export and innovation potential in the international market, with particular emphasis on the company's achievements in saving water resources and promoting sustainable solutions.