Renewable energy policy in Lithuania

The article outlines renewable energy (RE) resources according to the energy efficiency policy in Lithuania as well as practical experience of implementation of RE projects within the framework of the National Energy Efficiency Programme. The main goals of the programme are to reduce the import of energy resources, to improve environment conditions and to reduce the climate change impact. Analysis of implemented RE projects and forecasts for the future projects are also presented. The use of biomass (wood chips, processing wastes, sawdust, straw, etc.), biogas, as well as small-scale hydro energy sources is increasing in Lithuania. Quite a few plants utilising renewable energy resources were constructed within the framework of co-operation with European Union countries (Sweden, Denmark, German, etc.) along with the establishment of joint companies for production of equipment, facilities, etc. Recently a few pilot projects utilising geothermal, wind, solar and landfill gas energy have been started. Lithuania expected to make an important contribution to reach the goals set by the European Commission's White Paper on RES (increasing the share of renewables in the overall energy balance up to 12% by 2010). (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.