Electricity in Lithuania in 2024

In 2024, Lithuania's electricity consumption shows a strong leaning towards low-carbon sources. Almost half of the electricity comes from clean energy, with wind power making up more than a quarter of total consumption. Solar power contributes a little over a tenth, while biofuels and hydropower account for about one-fifteenth of the electricity supply. Lithuania also relies heavily on net imports, which make up around 42% of its electricity needs, highlighting potential instability in energy security. On the fossil front, fossil fuels and gas together are responsible for roughly 17% of electricity generation, contributing to climate change and local pollution, making further reductions in these areas critical.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Lithuania can focus on expanding its existing wind and solar power capabilities. These sectors are already significant contributors to the energy mix and offer room for growth. Additionally, Lithuania can look towards countries like Finland, Slovenia, and Slovakia, which have successfully integrated nuclear power into their energy mix with significant portions of their electricity coming from nuclear sources. By considering such successful strategies, Lithuania can further diversify and stabilize its power generation, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and imports. Particularly, nuclear power can offer a reliable and sustainable energy source, working in synergy with wind and solar to secure Lithuania's clean energy future.

History

Lithuania's history of low-carbon electricity generation has seen several shifts, especially in the nuclear sector. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, nuclear power generation was on the rise, with substantial increases in output. However, the mid-1990s experienced setbacks, including significant declines in nuclear output, pointing to underlying strategic or policy issues. Moving into the 2000s, while there were periods of growth, including a notable spike in 2001 and 2002, challenges persisted, ultimately leading to reduced dependency on nuclear energy by the mid-2000s. More recently, there has been a gradual increase in wind power generation, marking a new chapter in Lithuania's commitment to low-carbon energy, though the early 2000s declines in nuclear highlight a missed opportunity for a reliable clean energy source.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Maximum Imports

Data Sources