The implementation of the research project PeatTransform – Research and innovation based solutions to support the peat sector's transition to a climate neutral economy, promoting the sustainable use of Latvia's natural resources has officially begun.
The overarching goal of the project is to support the transformation of the peat sector from a significant source of emissions into a climate-neutral economic sector by 2050, while simultaneously strengthening Latvia’s research capacity and innovation potential.
On 31 October, the PeatTransform kick-off meeting was held, bringing together the project partners – a consortium of scientific institutions – to discuss project implementation, timelines, and coordination matters.
PeatTransform will be implemented from 10 September 2025 till 30 September 2029. The Project coordinator is LSFRI "Silava" and carried out in collaboration with:
- University of Latvia,
- Riga Technical University,
- Institute for Environmental Solutions,
- Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies,
- Institute of Horticultural,
- Institute of Agricultural Resources and Economics.
The total project budget amounts to EUR 5,588,265, including co-financing from the European Union and the Latvian state budget. Companies and associations from the peat sector will also be involved in the research.
Peat is an important natural resource in Latvia, widely used in horticulture, forestry, and agriculture for both domestic and export markets. The sector provides employment and promotes regional development, but peat extraction and use generate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and impact peatlands.
PeatTransform focuses on a scientifically grounded, balanced, and realistic pathway toward climate neutrality in the peat sector, considering biodiversity conservation and socio-economic aspects, particularly in regions where the sector plays a significant role.
The Project aims to establish a research platform and center of excellence to strengthen research capacity and expertise, facilitate knowledge and technology transfer to the Latvian peat sector and related industries, and promote international collaboration in sustainable natural resource management research.
Key research directions:
- GHG Measurements and Modelling: Improving GHG inventory methodologies to better reflect actual peat sector emissions;
- Rehabilitation of Degraded and Former Peat Extraction Sites: Developing innovative solutions such as paludiculture (medicinal and biomass crops), hydrological stabilization methods, agrovoltaic systems (solar panels over plantings), and remote monitoring for efficiency;
- Development of Low-Carbon, High-Value Products: Extracts, composite materials, thermal insulation and 3D printing materials, as well as growing substrates using alternative local raw materials (moss, reeds, wood fibers, wool);
- Technology Development: Reducing GHG emissions and enhancing carbon sequestration in peat products, including studies on substrate reuse;
- Socio-Economic Assessment: Evaluating the impacts of peat extraction, processing, and rehabilitation at local and export levels;
- Future Scenario Development: Utilization of historical and rehabilitated peat extraction sites, sustainability guidelines, and recommendations for carbon and biodiversity credits;
- Policy Recommendations: Supporting sustainable management of natural resources.
PeatTransform is implemented under the European Union Cohesion Policy Program 2021–2027, specific objective 6.1.1 "Mitigating the economic, social and environmental impact of the transition to climate neutrality in the most affected regions", measure 6.1.1.2 "Research development for the sustainable use of natural resources related to environmental and climate goals" (project No. 6.1.1.2/1/25/A/001).
PeatTransform aligns with the European Green Deal, the 2030 Biodiversity Strategy, the EU Climate Package "Fit for 55", and the Latvia Smart Specialization Strategy (RIS3) priority "Knowledge-Intensive Bioeconomy".
Anda Zakenfelde
LSFRI "Silava", Communications manager of PeatTransform Project
Phone: +371 26539348
Email: