In Lithuania, the electricity consumption over the last twelve months, from September 2025 to August 2026, highlights a compelling trend towards low-carbon energy sources. More than half of the electricity consumed is derived from clean energy sources. Wind energy leads with almost 39%, demonstrating its significant role in the energy landscape. Net imports, often contributing to the low-carbon tally, account for roughly 25% of the electricity mix. Solar energy, though less prominent, still contributes a vital 12% to this sustainable electricity generation. Biofuels and hydropower each add a modest 6% or so to the mix. Meanwhile, reliance on fossil fuels has dwindled to less than 9%, with gas accounting for close to 6%. This demonstrates a commendable shift towards cleaner energy sources, although there is still room for improvement to minimize fossil fuel usage further.

Is Electricity Growing in Lithuania?

Lithuania's electricity consumption is undergoing a concerning downtrend, as evidenced by the latest figures. In 2026, the total electricity consumption per person was 4,374 kWh, marking a significant reduction from the all-time high of 7,933 kWh per person in 1991, which is a decline of over 3,500 kWh per person. Low-carbon electricity generation also reflects this disappointing decline, with the current figure at 2,801 kWh per person, a decrease of more than 2,000 kWh from the 2003 record. These reductions signify worrisome stagnation and highlight the urgent need for renewed efforts to boost both overall electricity consumption and specifically the consumption of low-carbon electricity. These declining patterns contradict the growing need for electricity, particularly clean energy, to address the challenges of climate change and the electrification of various sectors.

Suggestions

To improve its low-carbon electricity generation, Lithuania can significantly expand its existing wind and solar energy capacities, leveraging the progress already made. Observing successful regions can provide valuable insights. Denmark and Iowa both generate an impressive 57% of electricity from wind power, illustrating what dedicated investment in wind energy can achieve. From a nuclear perspective, Lithuania can look to countries like Slovakia or Ukraine, where nuclear power contributes over 50% of the electricity mix. By incorporating nuclear energy into its strategy, Lithuania can ensure a stable and substantial increase in clean energy production. Additionally, the widespread adoption of solar energy in Nevada, Chile, and Spain, where solar accounts for about 23-35% of the electricity, suggests a promising avenue for Lithuania's solar industry to explore and expand.

History

Lithuania's history with low-carbon electricity is marked by fluctuations and learning experiences, particularly with its nuclear energy journey. In the late 1980s, there was notable growth, with nuclear energy rising annually by around 3 to 4 TWh. However, the early 1990s saw dramatic cuts, with reductions of up to 4.6 TWh in 1994 and continuing declines into the early 2000s, although there were occasional years of modest growth. Despite these setbacks, the country must renew its focus on sustainable growth and development. Recently, Lithuania has seen some positive shifts with a reviving interest in wind in 2023 and solar in 2026, signaling a renewed commitment to sustainable electricity. These steps are crucial as they chart a path towards a resilient and green energy future for Lithuania. By maintaining vigilance against past declines and utilizing advanced technologies, particularly in wind, solar, and nuclear, Lithuania can enhance its low-carbon energy capacities effectively.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (Sep 2025 – Aug 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.