Reviewed by Lexie CornerJan 31 2025
Researchers from Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) analyzed Lithuania’s energy transition, examining its shift toward renewable energy and alignment with global climate targets.
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Greenhouse gas emissions contribute to climate change, influencing temperature variations, extreme weather events, and environmental shifts. The energy sector is both a primary source of emissions and a key area for implementing mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Lithuania’s energy policies align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on emissions reduction, energy efficiency, and energy security. These measures address domestic energy challenges while contributing to broader sustainability efforts.
Simple actions are important. Even small changes can help reduce environmental impacts, while awareness of the current state of energy and climate policy can have a significant effect on how we adapt and try to act accordingly to achieve these shared goals.
Alexandra Maria Alonso Soto, Junior Researcher, Kaunas University of Technology
Progress Surpasses EU Average
The Sustainable Development Goals aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and achieve peace and prosperity by 2030. Researchers at KTU focused on three of these goals to explore how climate change mitigation policies are being implemented in the energy sector.
Affordable and clean energy, sustainable cities and communities, as well as climate action, were our focus.
Alexandra Maria Alonso Soto, Junior Researcher, Kaunas University of Technology
Lithuania has undergone significant energy transitions, including the closure of the Ignalina nuclear power plant in 2009, which increased its dependence on electricity and natural gas imports.
“After the plant stopped its operation, the country became dependent on energy imports of both electricity and natural gas,” notes the KTU researcher.
In response, Lithuania has focused on strengthening energy security and independence through investments in high-voltage grid interconnections with neighboring countries and expanding renewable energy capacity, particularly in wind and solar power.
By increasing renewable energy production and reducing reliance on imported fuels, Lithuania is addressing both national energy security concerns and broader climate and clean energy objectives.
Recent developments indicate measurable progress. Lithuania met the European Union’s 2020 renewable energy target of 20 % by 2014 and increased the share of renewables in total energy consumption to nearly 30 % by 2022, surpassing the EU average.
In 2023, data from the Lithuanian Ministry of Energy indicated that 70% of the country's electricity production was sourced from renewables, reflecting ongoing efforts to reduce import dependence.
Once Awareness is Settled, Actions Will Follow
Despite progress, Lithuania faces challenges in meeting its sustainable energy targets. KTU researcher Alonso Soto identifies key issues, including dependence on biomass and fossil fuels, limited energy source diversification, policy misalignment, and social and economic barriers.
Lithuania has made a great progress in increasing its renewable energy share, but biomass is a big contributor to air pollution and carbon emissions. While other renewable energy sources such as wind power are being developed, it is still in early stages compared to biomass.
Alexandra Maria Alonso Soto, Junior Researcher, Kaunas University of Technology
While Lithuania has established targets through the National Energy Independence Strategy and the National Energy and Climate Plan, gaps remain in policy coordination, implementation, and monitoring.
Alonso Soto also notes that financial constraints and reluctance to adopt necessary measures can affect public acceptance of energy policies, such as building stock renovation.
“Many Lithuanians, especially the elderly, cannot afford to renovate their homes, and some others still do not understand the benefits that such an upgrade would bring in terms of money savings, not to mention environmental impact,” details Alonso Soto, a Ph.D. Student at KTU Institute of Environmental Engineering.
In her view, the government could boost public engagement and awareness by reinforcing educational campaigns. “Citizens need to get involved, understand the policies, be aware of the benefits these could bring to their lives. Once the knowledge and awareness are settled within the population’s mindsets, actions will follow.”
Journal Reference:
Alonso Soto, A., & Stasiškienė, Ž. (2024) Exploring the Interplay Between Energy Policies and Sustainable Development Goals Within Lithuania’s Energy Sector: A Critical Review. Sustainability. doi.org/10.3390/su162210018.