Lithuania has made an impressive journey towards regaining energy independence. First, it’s showing courage and taking decisive action to strengthen its security by investing strategically in infrastructure and second by fully synchronizing its electricity grid with the continental European system. This transition is a significant inflection point. Since then, the country has ceased all imports of energy from Russia and collectively dismantled its domestic energy system from Russian control.
Lithuania’s electricity grid recently and successfully synchronized with the continental European electricity system. This achievement helps to solidify the nation’s political stability and security while improving energy security. This synchronization is a piece of Lithuania’s larger goal to fulfill its energy needs in a sustainable, independent manner. Over the past two decades, the country has tripled its electricity generation from renewable sources. From 2022 to 2024, it almost doubled its production!
Renewables and Energy Consumption
Yet for all these progress, Lithuania remains still 90% dependent on imported fossil fuels. This is particularly the case in the transport sector, where energy use represents 40% of the country’s total energy consumption and 75% of oil consumption. The transport sector is often the second or third largest share of the country’s emissions as well.
Lithuania’s ambition to electrify its transport system is undeniably impressive. The prohibitive costs of electric vehicles have inhibited equitable access and adoption. The government recognizes the necessity for a swift deployment of additional renewable energy capacity, particularly wind power, to support its decarbonization goals. The difficulty in this comes in making this transition without breaking the bank or leaving any citizens behind.
“We have taken bold steps to strengthen our security, from strategic infrastructure investment to full synchronisation with the continental European electricity grid.” – Žygimantas Vaičiūnas
The final National Energy Independence Strategy electrifies Lithuania’s vision for an electrified, continent-wide energy system. The federal government wants to generate hydrogen through renewable electricity by 2050. Projections estimate that Lithuania’s power consumption may grow up to six times by mid-century. Realizing this surge will take some serious, shovel-ready planning and development of REC projects.
Commitment to a Sustainable Future
Lithuania’s resolve to achieve a secure, sustainable, and affordable energy future shines through in its bold proactive steps to date. The administration still seems deeply committed to energy independence as one of the bedrock principles of its energy policy.
“Energy independence is the foundation of Lithuania’s energy policy.” – Žygimantas Vaičiūnas
In fact, the International Energy Agency (IEA) applauds Lithuania’s accomplishments in attaining energy independence as one of the top policy developments this year. The IEA has expressed support for Lithuania’s journey and commended the successful decoupling from Russia’s energy system.
“The IEA is proud to support Lithuania’s journey towards energy independence, which it has established as a major policy priority. We applaud the important progress made towards this goal so far, including the successful decoupling of Lithuania’s energy system from Russia’s.” – Fatih Birol
Future Actions and Goals
With these reforms in place, Lithuania is indeed taking leaps and bounds ahead. Getting to a cleaner, smarter, more resilient energy system, one that’s powered by renewable sources of energy. The federal government’s goal to electrify all transportation systems and to keep energy affordable for all Americans must go hand-in-hand.
“Now, our focus is on building a cleaner, smarter and more resilient energy system – one that is powered by renewables, electrifies transport, and delivers affordable energy for our citizens. The IEA’s review confirms we are on the right track and offers valuable guidance as we implement our long-term strategy.” – Žygimantas Vaičiūnas