Electricity in Lithuania in 2023/2024

Over the past year from October 2023 to September 2024, Lithuania's electricity consumption has been relatively balanced between low-carbon and imported sources. Low-carbon sources account for nearly half of the total electricity generation at approximately 50%. Wind energy is the largest contributor among the low-carbon sources, providing almost 22% of the total electricity. Hydropower and solar contribute around 12% and 10%, respectively, while biofuels add over 6%. Meanwhile, close to 43% of the total electricity consumption comes from net imports. In stark contrast, the reliance on fossil fuels is minimal, with gas accounting for just under 6% of the electricity consumption. This indicates a significant tilt towards cleaner energy, although there is still room for improvement, especially in reducing imports and further cutting down on fossil fuel use.

Suggestions

Lithuania can enhance its low-carbon electricity generation by expanding its existing wind energy infrastructure. Leveraging the success observed in Denmark, where wind power contributes over 60% of the country's electricity, Lithuania can aim to substantially increase its wind energy output. Additionally, exploring nuclear energy as done by several European nations can be highly beneficial. France, for instance, generates a whopping 67% of its electricity from nuclear energy. Similarly, neighboring countries like Slovakia and Ukraine have benefited significantly from nuclear power, contributing 60% and 55% of their electricity, respectively. By learning from these successful examples, Lithuania can strategically plan to diversify its low-carbon energy mix, reducing dependency on imports and fossil fuels while mitigating climate change and air pollution.

History

Lithuania's history with low-carbon electricity has seen fluctuating contributions from nuclear energy, especially throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, nuclear energy saw substantial increases, with a peak change of 3.8 TWh in 1989. However, the early 1990s featured notable declines, such as a 2.4 TWh drop in both 1992 and 1993, and another significant reduction of 4.6 TWh in 1994. The mid-to-late 1990s experienced varied shifts, with increases in 1995 and 1996 but subsequent declines, culminating in a major 4.8 TWh decrease in 2005. The early 2000s showed a mixed trend with some recovery in the early part of the decade. In more recent years, however, Lithuania has seen modest but steady improvements in wind and hydroelectric contributions, with a 0.9 TWh increase in wind power in 2023 and a 1.3 TWh boost from hydropower in 2023/2024. This historical context underscores the importance of stabilizing and scaling up low-carbon electricity sources to achieve a sustainable energy future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Maximum Imports

Data Sources