Contributing to Baltic Sea ecosystem with Enterprise Europe Network support and EENergy grant
Sea of Change: Grīņi's Journey to clean energy
The Baltic Sea – a place of breathtaking beauty – yet one of the most polluted seas in the world. Years of industrial waste, untreated sewage, and oil spills have left their mark. Fishing communities have seen the impact – dwindling fish stocks, suffocating marine life, and an ecosystem on the brink. Large corporations are investing in cleaner energy and more sustainable solutions, shifting away from fossil fuels to power a greener future. But what about the small companies? Can they embrace sustainability too? Jānis Brakovskis is a dedicated fisherman and the owner of “Grīņi”, a family-run business passed down through generations, built on tradition and resilience. Located along the shores of the Gulf of Riga in Limbažu Novads, his vision is to coexist with nature and to uphold it. Janis is willing to prove also small contributions can help big changes, so he contacted Ints Vīksna from Enterprise Europe Network Latvia (EEN-Latvia) and Latvian Technological Center (LTC) to discuss more sustainable fishing options and financial support programmes available.
Jānis had already taken steps towards sustainability. He had invested in solar panels to power his home and equipment, reducing his dependence on fossil fuels. To go further he lacked a support programme and advice from someone experienced. Luckily, EENergy project had launched and LTC was part of it. The opening of the First Call was close and the company “Grīņi” was invited to apply. After company visit and carrying out technology audit LTC specialists concluded the company was ready to apply for EENergy grant. Ints Vīksna became sustainability advisor for “Grīņi” and they started working for application to replace his old and inefficient gas-powered engine to state-of-the-art electric motor. This way Jānis could transform his business, reduce expenses and keep the eco-friendly approach to life.
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aFTER
With the assistance of advisors from Enterprise Europe Network a small company from Latvia was able to apply for EENergy grant and secure long-term success. Green energy is not only cleaner but also smarter – it lowers operational costs, eliminates fuel dependency, and provides long-term energy independence. For fisherman Jānis what was once an expense is now an investment – one that pays back over time and even contributes to bigger environmental goals – the ones listed in Baltic Sea Region strategy. For EEN-Latvia team the whole EENergy project has been great teamwork and lesson on unlimited options of sustainability and greener technology. Working on this Client’s Journey LTC team has learned that every single effort counts, and even small companies can contribute to big changes and every client is unique in their own way.
Jānis Brakovskis, fisherman from “Grīņi”: Our life has always been in close connection with the sea and environment. Facilitating our energy independence and contributing to Baltic Sea eco system we have changed the internal combustion engine for our fishing boat to electric engine charged by our own energy obtained by solar panels. Thanks to the assistance and advice from Latvian Technological Centre EEN team and grant from EENergy project we have succeeded to not only implement sustainable solutions but also contribute to nature preservation and even reduce noise pollution.
Ints Vīksna, Latvian Technological Center: Most of Latvian companies are small, even micro size, but that does not mean they cannot evolve and contribute to bigger sustainability goals or strategies. As Enterprise Europe Network partners we welcome every client contacting us and find an individual approach. Jānis was concerned his company might be too small or the “wrong” sector to be worked with and to participate EENergy project. We are happy EEN works with all sectors and companies of all sizes, as long as they have a vision and show commitment. This story was particularly interesting as it involves services from several support programs as well as contributes to Baltic Sea Region strategy.