Challenges of developing green technologies and strengthening community support in Lithuania

Problem

Lithuania has ambitious energy goals. The aim is for 100% of electricity to come from renewable energy sources (RES) by 2050, and for 55% of electricity to be consumed from RES by 2030. These goals have been set at both the European Union and Lithuanian levels to promote decarbonization, clean energy, and energy independence.

In 2023, the share of RES in total final energy consumption was 32.2% (with wind and solar energy being the main contributors). The country has made significant progress in increasing the share of RES, primarily through the development of wind, solar, and biomass energy. In neutralizing the climate impact, a role is expected to be played by hydrogen. From an economic development perspective, Lithuania could attract investments worth 150 billion euros by developing green energy.

According to a public opinion survey, respondents in regions where wind farms are in operation or under development have a more favourable assessment of wind energy than the Lithuanian average. Lithuanian residents rate electricity production using solar and wind resources the most positively: 88% view solar energy very positively or positively, 77% view wind energy positively when produced in offshore wind farms, and 75% view wind energy positively when produced in onshore wind farms.

Virginia Tech researchers note that despite the broad support for green technology development, local communities tend to be sceptical about the development of such technologies in their neighbourhoods, encountering what are known as “Not In My Backyard” (NIMBY) challenges. This term refers to local communities’ resistance to new infrastructure projects near their area. Among the most common concerns raised by local communities regarding the development of green technologies (such as solar or wind farms, green hydrogen technologies, etc.) are visual pollution and aesthetic discomfort, noise concerns, safety issues, fears of decreased property value, and potential negative effects on local nature and ecosystems. For example, in 2024 local community in Darbėnai stopped the development of 400 million worth green hydrogen investment project.

To foster more favorable attitudes among local communities towards green technologies, various measures are used, including informational and educational tools, community involvement in decision-making processes, and financial incentives. To highlight the role of communities as stakeholders, it is important to assess the current politics and practices of community engagement in Lithuania, explore successful international practices, and propose a model that aligns with Lithuania’s needs.

Goal

The goal of the project is to create a model for strengthening community engagement and support in developing energy-related green technology investment projects in Lithuania.

Participants

2024/25

Jovita Mincevičiūtė

2024/25

Viktorija Štarevičiūtė