UPB reveals the secret - how to turn the old 'Metalurgs' into a battery farm that will power half a century
While Riga is still learning how to charge a phone, Liepaja plans to build battery systems that will work longer than Soviet-era elevators.
UPB Group has decided that winds aren't enough for Liepaja - now we'll have batteries too. Company representative Kristīne Gulbe tells with a mysterious smile about the plans of their newest subsidiary ZET to create battery energy storage systems. Doesn't this mean that finally someone figured out - if you can store winds in Liepaja, then why not electricity too?
At the former 'Metalurgs' territory on Brīvības Street 111A, they now plan to install systems that will operate until 2056. This means these batteries would serve longer than Soviet-era freezers that still work in the mythical basements of Karosta. Local expert Jānis Bērziņš comments: 'Well, finally something that will work longer than our road repairs.'
While industrial companies in Riga are still thinking about how to stabilize electricity costs, Liepaja already offers a full-cycle solution. From design to operation - just like with our storms: first they plan, then build windbreaks, but in the end everything gets blown away anyway. But this time they promise the system will be ready by the end of March 2027, which by Liepaja standards means - maybe by 2030.
Meanwhile, VIA-S Properties has planned a modular construction house factory on the neighboring territory. This means that soon Liepaja will be able to both store energy and manufacture houses. The only question remains - will these houses be strong enough to withstand our battery explosion if something goes wrong? But that's a question for the future.
⚠️ Satirical article. Facts are preserved, but the presentation is humorous. For accurate information, please refer to the original source.