Riga is gradually upgrading its street lighting system by replacing outdated sodium lamps with energy-efficient LED lights equipped with smart controllers. These solutions allow the brightness to be adjusted based on actual needs, helping to reduce electricity consumption and environmental impact.
The significance of the project for Riga
Many streetlights in Riga are outdated and consume unnecessary amounts of electricity. Introducing smart lighting helps the city save resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve street lighting quality across various neighborhoods. This is an important step toward a climate-neutral and smart Riga.
Target of the project
To implement and demonstrate smart urban technologies in Riga’s public lighting infrastructure, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy efficiency.
Benefits for citizen
Safe, high-quality, and energy-efficient street lighting.
A cleaner and more environmentally friendly urban environment.
Project activities
Removal of outdated sodium streetlight.
Installation of new LED streetlights with smart controllers.
Introduction of brightness and color temperature control system.
Centralized lighting control through the “CityLight” system.
Test bed territory in Riga
The project solutions are implemented and tested in the following Riga neighborhoods: Iļģuciems, Bieriņi, Atgāzene, Latgale Suburb, Jaunciems, Kundziņsala, and Berģi.
In Kundziņsala, 138 innovative LED lights simulating the natural daylight cycle will be installed. These lights can adjust their color temperature from warm to cool white based on environmental needs and are equipped with IoT-type controllers.
Project results
2321 standard LED streetlights and 138 IoT-based LED lights installed.
Over 835,000 kWh of electricity saved per year.
Electricity cost savings of approximately €87,700 per year.
Reduced maintenance costs.
In addition to this project, Riga City Council is continuing lamp replacements as part of its city budget. In 2025, around 4,000 additional lamps are planned for replacement.
Overall, Riga has about 52,000 streetlights, of which around 14,000 have been upgraded to LED technology (as of early 2025).
Funding, duration, and partners
Funding source: Emissions Trading System (ETS) instrument
Total project budget: €1,059,476
Total budget for Riga: €1,059,476
EU funding for Riga Municipality: €741,633
Co-financing by Riga Municipality: €317,843
Project partners: Department of Urban Environment and Mobility, Riga City Council
Duration: 04.04.2025 – 31.03.2027
Contact information
Valters Krasts
Deputy Head of Maintenance Division
Department of Urban Environment and Mobility
Phone: +371 67026664
Email: Valters.Krasts@riga.lv
