50 MW High Voltage Electrode Boiler Supports Flexible District Heating in Riga

Latvia’s First and the Baltics’ Largest Fast-Response Electrode Boiler for District Heating

Since February 2026, the boiler has been in operation at the “Imanta” heat plant in Riga, Latvia.

The boiler was manufactured by PARAT and installed at the Imanta heat plant as part of a project delivered by FILTER. It is the first of its kind in Latvia and the largest fast-response electrode boiler for district heating in the Baltics.

The installation adds large-scale electric heat production to Riga’s district heating infrastructure and gives RĪGAS SILTUMS a flexible heat source that can interact with the electricity market.

The boiler can regulate from minimum to full load in just 90 seconds. According to RĪGAS SILTUMS, planned annual heat production from electricity is expected to reach approximately 15,000 MWh, with estimated savings of around 3,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year.

Equipment Provided:
Type: High Voltage Electrode Boiler
Capacity: 50 MW
Voltage: 10 kV
Design pressure: 8 barg
Medium: Hot water

Fast-Response Electric Heat Production

Fast response is one of the key advantages of the High Voltage Electrode Boiler.

The boiler converts electricity directly into heat for district heating production and can reach full load in 90 seconds. This makes it possible to respond quickly to changing electricity market conditions and system needs.

For district heating operators, fast-response electric heat production can add flexibility to established heat plant infrastructure and create a stronger link between heat production and the electricity system.

Electric Heat as an Alternative to Fossil Fuel Use

When the electric boiler is used instead of natural gas-based heat production, the solution can contribute to reduced fossil fuel consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

At the Imanta heat plant, the High Voltage Electrode Boiler adds electricity as an energy source alongside existing heat production. This gives RĪGAS SILTUMS more flexibility in how heat is produced for Riga’s district heating network.

A Reference for Flexible District Heating

The project at the Imanta heat plant is a strong reference for PARAT technology in district heating.

It shows how large-scale electric heat production can be integrated into existing urban infrastructure and used as part of a more flexible heat production system.

For PARAT, the project demonstrates the role High Voltage Electrode Boiler technology can play in district heating applications where capacity, response time and integration with the electricity system are important.