National Energy Strategy: Goals, Realities, and Challenges

Lithuania’s National Energy Strategy is a long-term roadmap toward energy independence and climate neutrality. Its primary goal is to transform Lithuania into a modern, sustainable country by 2050, where the majority of energy is produced from renewable sources such as wind, solar, and biomass.

In recent years, significant progress has been made. The renewable energy sector is growing rapidly, wind and solar power installations are increasing, and investment is rising. However, there is still a long road ahead to meet the strategy’s ambitious targets. By 2030, 70% of Lithuania’s electricity consumption should come from renewable sources. Achieving this requires not only technological solutions but also bold political decisions and faster institutional processes.

The main challenges are not technological or financial, but procedural and institutional. Environmental impact assessment procedures often take too long, land-use issues arise, and additional restrictions exist in protected or heritage areas. Public perception also plays a role—residents often express concerns about noise, shadow flicker, or visual impact, although these fears are frequently based on myths rather than facts.

Currently, the highest concentration of wind farms is in the coastal and western regions of the country. However, there are other areas with untapped potential. Central Lithuania—districts like Kaišiadorys, Jonava, or Kėdainiai—could become new hubs for wind energy. One of the goals of the strategy is to ensure that projects are more evenly distributed across the country.

The targets set for 2050 are ambitious but achievable. The expansion of wind and solar energy, investment in energy storage solutions, and modernization of the electricity grid are already underway, but need to be accelerated. This transformation brings great opportunities: for businesses – new investment directions, innovative solutions, and export potential; for municipalities – increased budget revenues, improved infrastructure, and job creation; and for citizens – a cleaner environment, lower electricity bills, and greater energy security.

The transformation of the energy sector is not just about numbers or legislation. It is a direction we choose together—a decision we make today to build a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable Lithuania for tomorrow.