To enhance energy independence and sustainable production, “Ķekava Foods” has inaugurated a 2 MW solar panel park, costing nearly €1.14 million.

“Poultry is the world’s most popular meat, and its demand is expected to reach 40% of the total meat volume by 2030. Strengthening our independence, efficiency, and competitiveness is crucial. We completed a corporate reorganization to use resources more efficiently and reduce energy price impacts. We invested in the solar energy park and are working on a biogas production facility,” said Andrius Pranckevičius, Chairman of “Ķekava Foods”.

Agriculture Minister Armands Krauze highlighted, “Strong Latvian companies that focus on innovation, efficiency, and sustainability drive our economy. Solar panels provide electricity when cooling is most needed in hot weather. Sustainability must be integral to daily operations and future goals. I am proud to see “Ķekava Foods” embedding sustainability into its strategy with practical steps.”

CEO Aiva Banga emphasized the company’s poultry production history since 1967, now with a turnover of €110 million and over 450 products. “We are proud of our 890 employees team, maintaining the highest quality standards daily,” she added.

Board member Ilze Kaparšmite explained, “Reorganization reduced bureaucratic burdens and improved processes. We began the solar project before reorganization, ensuring its successful completion as AS “Ķekava Foods”.

Technical Director Romāns Ivanovs detailed the solar park’s development, while board member Saulius Petkevičius discussed sustainable practices in European poultry farming and “Ķekava Foods” daily operations.

The solar park features 4,352 panels, providing 12.7% of the company’s electricity, saving approximately €250,000 annually. Energy costs, including electricity for maintaining optimal temperatures for poultry, are significant. Solar investments are expected to pay off in 2.7-3 years.

The project began in December 2020, with construction from last October to this March, carried out by SIA “ATTOR”.