Leading green energy company in the Baltics

Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company, has completed the first stage of the largest wind energy project in Lithuania and the Baltics, Kelmė wind farm. The 114-megawatt (MW) Kelmė wind farm I has successfully reached the commercial operations date. 

“Kelmė wind farm I is the largest wind energy project implemented by Ignitis Renewables in Lithuania to date. This is one of the cornerstone projects that will allow us to move firmly towards our main goal of reaching 4–5 gigawatts (GW) of installed green generation capacity by 2030. This stage marks the increase in local electricity generation as well as the creation of a more secure energy system domestically and across the region,” says Darius Maikštėnas, CEO of Ignitis Group. 

Kelmė wind farm I is the first of the two stages in the largest onshore wind projects currently under construction in the Baltics. The first stage of the wind farm comprises 16 Nordex N163/6.X wind turbines. The project is carried out while following the highest environmental, health and safety standards. 

The second stage of Kelmė wind farm is nearing completion. After it’s finished, the total capacity of the wind farm will reach 314 MW. With both stages operational, the wind farm will be able to cover the electricity demand of 250 thousand households. The expected total investments in Kelmė wind farm, including the acquisition price and construction costs, should reach around EUR 550 million. 

This is a significant step towards the strategic goal of Ignitis Group to create 100% green and secure energy ecosystem in the Baltic states and other priority markets. 

For two decades, wind energy has been an integral part of Lithuania’s energy system. During this time, wind farms have become a source of clean energy, and their developers have become long-term partners to the communities, contributing to their social and economic well-being. Wind farms that are located nearby offer local residents new opportunities, new ways to improve their quality of life, create a better environment and strengthen relations. An international green energy company, Ignitis Renewables, actively seeks to be a good neighbour to local residents in the areas where wind farms are built, providing them with financial support and contributing to their social welfare. 

“Communities located near our wind farms are our long-term partners and the support we offer them goes beyond financial aspects. A wind farm built nearby, besides being a source of electricity, is an opportunity for communities to implement their ideas, such as renovating roads and lighting, building new community halls, setting up sports fields or organising cultural events. Over a couple of years, we have seen how wind energy is transforming the lives of communities. Today, it’s not just about electricity, but about better living conditions for local residents,” says Emilija Musteikytė, Communities Engagement Team Lead at Ignitis Renewables. 

What are the benefits for the communities living in the vicinity of wind farms? 

In many Lithuanian cities and towns, wind farms have become not only a source of electricity, but also a symbol of positive change. To date, over EUR 900,000 in funding has been allocated to local communities for important projects. These funds have been used by communities for public infrastructure, culture and education. The funds allocated in 2024 were two times higher than in previous years, reflecting not only the growing scope of collaboration, but also the expanding wind energy sector. 

The supported projects are diverse and address various community needs. For example, at Vydmantai Gymnasium in Kretinga District, funding was provided for an outdoor classroom dome, while in Butkiškės village, Kelmė District, community gathering spaces were renovated. There residents can spend time together and engage in educational activities. Ignitis Renewables’ financial support for communities includes improving infrastructure, creating spaces as well as helping preserve cultural heritage. The financial support will bring a unique project to life. It includes publishing a book about the history of Pikeliai village. Historical materials will be organised and published, ensuring that vital information about the village’s past will be preserved for future generations. 

“Local residents see tangible improvements with new footpaths, upgraded lighting or community events. They know that the improved environment is related to the wind farm located in their neighbourhood,” adds E. Musteikytė. 

Long-term partnership: more than just financial support 

The company aims for long-term cooperation with local communities by investing in social inclusion projects. Major projects include the establishment of community gathering spaces and infrastructure improvements. These include adapting facilities for people with impaired mobility. The Pikeliai community in the Mažeikiai District used part of the funds to adapt their community centre for visitors with impaired mobility. Community centres are becoming more open and accessible to all residents with more comfortable spaces, improved infrastructure and ensured physical accessibility. Meanwhile, the Rotuliai community in Jurbarkas used the financial support to install a heating system in their community centre so that locals could carry out their activities year-round. This is particularly important during the winter season when warm and cosy spaces enable events and activities for children and seniors. 

The focus on communities includes improving infrastructure while also strengthening social relations as well as cultural and national identity. Ignitis Renewables supports educational programmes, encourages local youth initiatives and contributes to the organisation of cultural events. The Vydmantai branch of the M. Valančius Public Library in the Kretinga District supports cultural, educational and sports activities, where community members can develop their skills. The Lauksargiai community in the Tauragė District invested the funds in purchasing folk costumes, thus preserving their culture and bringing joy to community members. 

Annual financial support leads to positive long-term changes 

Each year, communities can submit applications for financial support, so the changes do not end with a single project. Continuous financial support allows local residents and communities to decide for themselves where and how to invest the funds received. 

“Local people know best what matters most to their community. Therefore, we encourage them to offer project ideas that will bring long-term benefits. These could include the modernisation of schools, new leisure centres or community events that unite people,” says E. Musteikytė. 

This approach to community development is becoming a model in all of Lithuania. When renewable energy is combined with social responsibility, everyone wins, including local residents and the entire country, which is moving towards a more sustainable and stronger future. Every project becomes a solid foundation upon which not only infrastructure grows but also people’s trust, responsibility and community spirit. Communities where people have the opportunity to participate and make decisions become more independent and more sustainable. This is a cornerstone in building a stronger country. 

A major anniversary is the perfect time to reflect on progress and achievements. The history of modern wind energy in Lithuania spans two decades. Now is a good time to evaluate the contributions the wind technologies have made to the national energy sector. For example, did you know that Lithuania can generate all the electricity it requires from renewable energy sources alone? Wind energy is becoming increasingly important in the electricity generation mix. According to the latest information, wind farms are already generating a significant share of electricity generated in Lithuania and have huge potential. 

“Lithuania has every opportunity to lead the wind energy sector in the region. With the rapid growth of wind farms, renewable energy projects are increasing the local electricity generation capacity and strengthening the national economic and geopolitical security. The rapid development of wind energy projects in Lithuania is obvious as they are becoming the main source of green electricity. This trend is an important sign of the country moving towards energy independence,” says Virginijus Jagela, Head of Asset Operations Management at Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company. 

Changes in Lithuania’s electricity generation mix 

In recent years, Lithuania’s renewable energy sector has been growing very rapidly, and new wind farms are the main contributor to the growth. In 2024, wind farms generated 1.38 times more electricity compared to 2023, which indicates a significant shift towards less dependence on fossil fuels. 

“In 2024, electricity generated from renewable energy sources was 35% higher compared to last year. Lithuania actually outperforms many of its European neighbours in this respect, with wind farms contributing to the electricity generation mix the most (46%), i.e., they covered 27% of the total demand. In this regard, we are close to the electricity generation numbers in Germany or the Netherlands. The data clearly shows that Lithuania has potential to lead the wind energy sector in the Baltic region,” explains the expert at Ignitis Renewables V. Jagela. 

One of the main driving forces behind the sector’s growth is consistent investments into new wind farms and innovative solutions that enable a more efficient utilisation of renewables. Last year, 513 megawatts (MW) of new wind turbines were installed in Lithuania. The total wind farm capacity in Lithuania currently amounts to around 1,740 MW, which is nearly three times higher compared to Latvia and Estonia combined. 

In the following years, the amount of electricity generated by wind farms should increase even more because currently there are several large wind farms under construction, including the wind farm in Kelmė, which is one of the largest wind farms under construction in the Baltic States. 

The capacity of each wind turbine in Kelmė wind farm amounts up to 7 MW. They are the largest and most powerful wind turbines the company has ever installed. When operating at maximum capacity, one revolution of the blades of such a wind turbine generates enough electricity to power a single household for an entire day. In other words, one wind turbine can cover the electricity demand of 8,000 households. After completion, the 300 MW Kelmė wind farm will be able to cover the electricity demand of 250 thousand Lithuanian households, a territory equivalent to Kaunas district. 

It is important to note that electricity generation from offshore wind is much more effective and reliable compared to onshore wind because there are no obstacles in the open sea that could impede wind flow. Wind turbines operating high at sea are able to capture faster and more stable wind, which is typical for the environment. That is why they can generate electricity for 90% of the time, even when there is no wind on shore. The 700 MW Curonian Nord wind farm is being developed by Ignitis Renewables in the Baltic Sea and will be able to generate around three terawatt-hours (TWh) of green electricity per year. This amount of energy could cover around a quarter of the total electricity demand in Lithuania. 

The importance of wind energy has never been greater 

Wind energy is both clean and strategically important for Lithuania’s goal of energy independence. The geopolitical challenges showcased that the more electricity we generate locally, the less we are dependent on external suppliers and price fluctuations. Wind turbines do not require fossil fuel for operation, have no emissions and reduce our dependence on energy imports. Therefore, they are an important source of local electricity generation. 

According to the Lithuanian electricity transmission system operator, Litgrid, on 6 March, between 1 and 2 pm, instantaneous generation from solar and wind farms exceeded 1.4 gigawatts (GW) and the electricity prices went down. At 1 PM, it amounted to 0.59 EUR/MWh, and at 2 PM it dropped to 0.27 EUR/MWh. The numbers suggest that the energy generated from renewable energy sources help maintain competitive electricity prices. 

Lithuania has extraordinary conditions to develop wind energy both on land and in the Baltic Sea. The rate of development of wind energy projects will only grow in the coming years, ensuring more stable electricity prices and greater national energy and economic security. 

Investing in wind energy promotes technological progress, creates new jobs, strengthens local economies and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In the long term, it will help Lithuania reach climate neutrality goals and ensure a green and secure energy ecosystem for current and future generations. 

The history of modern Lithuanian wind energy spans two decades, with the Lithuanian Wind Power Association (LVEA) also celebrating its 20th anniversary. It all began with the little-known fact that the first wind turbine in Lithuania was initiated not by businesses or the state, but by the Catholic Church. Since then, Lithuania saw major progress in this area and is now considered a leader in the Baltic region in wind energy production. A green energy company, Ignitis Renewables, is securing the country’s energy independence by developing large-scale wind farms. 

“The last 20 years, and especially the most recent five years, have shown that Lithuania is capable of leading in the field of renewable energy. What was once considered an ambitious experiment has become the cornerstone of our energy independence. We continue to invest in the development of wind energy and accelerate technological advancements because, besides it being an opportunity to reduce dependence on imported energy, it also a strategic decision that creates new jobs, promotes innovation and ensures competitive electricity prices for the country’s residents and businesses,” says Giedrius Meškelė, Head of Renewable Energy in Lithuania at Ignitis Renewables. 

The importance of wind farms for national energy security 

It was not an easy road for wind energy in Lithuania. The first wind turbine in Lithuania was built by the Diocese of Kaišiadorys. The 600 kilowatt (kW) wind turbine, built in 2004 in the Kretinga district, was an investment by Dioceses of Magdeburg and Kaišiadorys. Sceptics claimed that Lithuania was too small for efficient wind energy usage and that such projects would not be economically viable. Over time, each new wind farm proved that this type of energy, besides being environmentally friendly, is strategically beneficial to the entire state. 

Lithuania had long been dependent on energy imports, but geopolitical challenges, particularly the unprovoked and unjustifiable aggression against Ukraine, clearly demonstrated that energy independence is not just an economic issue, it is a guarantee of national security. The European Union’s REPowerEU plan, adopted in response to the energy crisis, clearly emphasises the need to develop local renewable energy sources to reduce dependence on external suppliers. Lithuania is already leading in the speed of implementation of these measures, and the wind energy sector has become the main pillar of the country’s energy independence. 

“In recent years, new wind farms have significantly increased the local electricity production in our country. In 2024, a record onshore wind farm capacity of about 500 megawatt (MW) was connected to the Lithuanian grid, thus substantially increasing local energy generation. Due to these investments, in 2024 wind farms comprised the largest share of local electricity generation in Lithuania. They covered 27% of the country’s total electricity consumption. This metric places us among the leaders in Europe,” says Meškelė. 

Significant progress took place in recent years, when Ignitis Renewables began constructing in Kelmė the largest onshore wind farm in the Baltic states, where 44 wind turbines have already been installed, with a total capacity of 300 MW. This is a significant step towards complete energy independence as this wind farm alone will be able to produce enough electricity per year to cover the demand of approximately 250,000 households. 

Technological progress 

It is the development of the wind energy sector that helps Lithuania become one of the leading countries in Europe in terms of its onshore wind capacity. In 2024, the country, along with Romania, was leading in terms of the most powerful installed onshore wind turbines, with an average capacity of 6.3 MW each. This indicates that Lithuania, besides rapidly expanding its wind energy capacity, is using the latest technologies that enable more efficient use of wind resources.  

Moreover, the implementation of new technologies helps protect wildlife: “To reduce the environmental impact, Ignitis Renewables is deploying state-of-the-art bird protection technology in Lithuania. This system uses radar and artificial intelligence algorithms, allows real-time monitoring of bird migration routes and, if necessary, temporarily halts the operation of wind turbines. This technology has never been deployed before in Lithuania. It will help maintain the balance between green energy production and nature conservation,” Meškelė explains. 

Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company, entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares in Nord Wind Park, a renewable energy project under development in Pasvalys district, Lithuania. The hybrid power plant consists of a 200-megawatt (MW) wind farm, a 50 MW solar farm and a 20 MW (80 MWh) battery energy storage system. 

“We are driving the investments up to reach our long-term goal of 4–5 GW green capacities installed by 2030. We focus on technologies that can deliver a 100% green and secure energy ecosystem,” says Giedrius Meškelė, Head of Renewable Energy in Lithuania at Ignitis Renewables. 

According to him, the hybrid project consists of several technologies. It is a wind farm complemented by a solar farm and a battery energy storage system. “Batteries enable integration of renewables by facilitating demand management, improves grid reliability while limiting output curtailment,” emphasises G. Meškelė. 

The project is expected to secure the grid connection capacity in the near future. 

Last year marked a significant breakthrough for the European energy sector, with the offshore wind playing an increasingly important role in this transformation, helping not only to fight against climate change but also to ensure energy security and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. 

2024 became a period of important changes for the European energy sector. According to the data of the European Commission, in the first half of last year, wind and solar power for the first time overtook power generation from fossil fuels. Renewables in Europe are estimated to have generated 30 percent of all energy, with fossil fuels at 27 percent. 

The main source of renewable energy source in Europe is wind, and though more energy is still generated by onshore wind farms, more and more countries with coastline are turning their eyes towards water. 

For example, according to the data of the European Wind Energy Association WindEurope, in the first half of last year, European governments held auctions for 19.7 gigawatt (GW) new wind farms. Wind farms of 6.5 GW capacity are planned to be installed onshore, while offshore wind farms are expected to have over twice the capacity at 13.2 GW. 

These figures allow a forecast of future power generation and show evident rapid changes. For example, last year, new wind energy capacities of 15 GW were installed in Europe, of which offshore wind energy power accounted for 2.3 GW. Offshore wind farms are more effective and stable than those onshore, therefore countries with access to offshore wind want to benefit from this. 

Actions by the big players of Europe 

Countries with a long history of dependence on fossil fuel are actively turning towards the possibilities of power generation from offshore wind. 

For example, Germany made impressive progress in this field by installing 0.7 GW new capacities. It is over twice the size than in previous years. A significant contribution to the development was made by new projects, such as the Baltic Eagle offshore wind farm in the Baltic Sea and the Gode Wind project in the North Sea. The total offshore wind generation capacity of Germany has reached 9.2 GW and satisfies a significant part of the electricity needs of the country. 

The United Kingdom is also launching significant changes. The country closed its last coal-fired power plant last year, which had been in operation since 1967; the country’s dependence on natural gas is also rapidly decreasing.  

Last year, wind energy became the largest energy source of the UK generating 29 percent of the country’s capacity, while according to the forecasts, gas will no longer be used for certain periods this year to generate power. 

The United Kingdom also plans show the shift towards offshore wind power generation. Last year, the UK Government organised auctions for 5.3 GW offshore wind power generation capacity, leaving onshore generating capacity with 990 megawatts (MW). 

A giant breakthrough is forecasted 

Europe currently has offshore wind farms with the total capacity of 35 GW, but the European Environment Agency forecasts the capacity will reach 110 GW by 2030, and 320 GW by 2050. 

According to the estimates by Canadian market research company Precedence Research, in 2023, the value of the European offshore wind power sector was USD 8.58 billion, which will increase to USD 56.3 billion by 2034. 

“The offshore wind power is clearly turning into the cornerstone in the green transformation of Europe. This technology not only helps to cut down carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions but also creates new jobs, strengthens energy security and ensures a more stable power supply,” says Paulius Kalmantas, Communication Partner of international green energy company Ignitis Renewables. 

He emphasises that power generation from renewable sources has been experiencing a significant breakthrough in recent years in Lithuania, while wind and sun already generate approximately two thirds of all power generated in the country. “Nevertheless, we have an enormous source of inexhaustible and green energy in the Baltic Sea, which we must use and walk in the same direction as the rest of Europe,” stated P. Kalmantas. 

Thierry Aelens, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the international green energy company Ignitis Renewables, has decided to resign from his position effective from 30 March 2025. T. Aelens is stepping down due to personal reasons and to pursue new career opportunities closer to his home. The selection of a new CEO will commence immediately. 

To ensure a seamless transition and maintain business continuity, Gary Bills has been appointed as the Interim CEO, effective from 31 March 2025. He has been with Ignitis Renewables since 2022, serving as the Chief Operations Officer (COO), and has a proven track record in renewable energy, with over 20 years of experience, spanning entire project lifecycles, including the development and construction of both onshore and offshore projects. 

“Ignitis Group has ambitious goals to develop its Green Capacities segment. We aim to reach 4–5 gigawatts (GW) of total installed Green Capacities by 2030. T. Aelens has built a team of professionals with international experience and imparted vast knowledge of the field to the team at Ignitis Renewables. We are grateful for his pivotal contributions and wish him all the best in his future endeavours,” said Darius Maikštėnas, Ignitis Group CEO. 

“It has been an honour and a pleasure to lead Ignitis Renewables. Here I found an ambitious team dedicated to growing renewable capacities in the Baltics and Poland and ensuring the region’s energy independence. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and am confident in the company’s continued success under new leadership,” expressing his gratitude stated T. Aelens. 

For the third year, Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company, has provided financial support to local communities located near the wind farms managed or developed by the company. Financial support was granted to as many as 23 community projects in the Lithuanian districts of Kelmė, Mažeikiai, Tauragė, Jurbarkas, Kretinga and Klaipėda. This year, a record amount of EUR 561,000 was granted. The company has already granted over EUR 900,000 in total for community initiatives in Lithuania.

“While developing renewable energy projects, we try to be good neighbours for local communities. Our support is not limited to improving their wellbeing as we also foster local culture, strengthen relationships between local residents and contribute to community growth. We want to help the neighbours of our wind farms build a solid foundation for growing and prospering,” said Emilija Musteikytė, Community Projects Coordinator at Ignitis Renewables.

Financial support to communities located near wind farms under development and in operation

For the first time, financial support was granted to the projects (eight in total) of communities located near Kelmė wind farm, which is currently being developed by Ignitis Renewables. The communities of Vaiguva and Kražiai Elderships plan to use the financial support to improve their wellbeing, for example, renovate, thermally insulate and fit out their premises, install lighting and organise events. The financial support granted to communities in Kelmė alone amounts to EUR 191,800.

The Butkiškės Community Association will spend their financial support on renovating their community centre: replacing windows, fixing electrical installation, improving ceilings, floors, walls, installing heat pumps and a theatre stage. 

“We have been engaged in the community theatre activities for nearly three years, but we needed a space for theatre activities and leisure. The second floor of the community centre was unusable, but the financial support from Ignitis Renewables will help us to solve this problem. If the financial support had not been granted, we would probably have not renovated it,” said the Chair of the Butkiškės Community Association, Kristina Bertašienė.

Fitting out community gathering places and adapting them to people with disabilities

The Rotuliai village community in Jurbarkas District are also glad to have the opportunity to renovate their community centre. According to Viktorija Aranauskienė, Community Chair, the financial support received for heating installation will help the community host important local events and workshops and will enable resident gatherings all year round. 

“We want to renovate the community centre, install a heating solution so local residents can carry out their activities, such as organising Christmas tree lighting events, workshops for children or knitting meetings. By renovating the community centre, we also want to make it accessible to people with disabilities,” states V. Aranauskienė.

Another community in Jurbarkas District, Jovarų Alėja, has built a container-type community centre using the financial support granted by Ignitis Renewables, and it will use the financial support granted in 2024 (EUR 56,000) to fit out the centre and organise the opening event.

More events that unite communities 

Financial support granted by Ignitis Renewables is not limited to building renovations, it is also used to unite local residents. For example, in Tauragė District, Lauksargiai village community Lauksargiškiai will use the financial support to acquire items needed for events. 

“We host many events that attract a lot of people. We have an outdoor stage, but we lack seating for the audience. The Eldership has old benches that could be used during events, but they are not very comfortable for elderly people to sit on,” says Elvyra Grombergienė, representative of Lauksargiai community.

Funds for uniting the locals and town visitors will also be used in J. Lankutis Public Library, located in Klaipėda District Municipality. The financial support will be used to acquire an outdoor dome, which, according to Birutė Grybauskienė, Chief Librarian, will perform several functions for the community.

“Our vision is to open an information centre inside the dome, which would have information about all enterprises and institutions in Klaipėda District. This way visitors and local residents will no longer have to visit several institutions to find the information they need. Besides this, the dome will host educational events. A playground, stadium and a community vegetable garden will be built next to the dome, therefore I believe the dome will become a true centre of attraction for locals,” underlines B. Grybauskienė.

The funding will help cherish the history of Lithuania

The financial support approved by Ignitis Renewables for Mažeikiai-based association called Creating Together will help publish a book about Pikeliai, which, according to the head of the association, Danielius Gedutis, will contribute to the preservation of the town’s history.

“We have been collecting information about Pikeliai for years, and we were found wanting to put everything into a book instead of leaving the compiled information to fade away. This scientific book compiled by professors and doctoral students will be included in our archive and serve as a valuable source of information for students writing their graduation theses or for future generations. It is currently in the editing stage and will be published later this year,” says D. Gedutis.

He notes that the project funds will also be used to renovate the block-paved path leading to the Monument of Vytautas the Grand, a community gathering place of great importance. People gather near the monument to celebrate Lithuanian public holidays and to sing the national anthem.

The Pikeliai settlement, celebrating the third year of being good neighbours with Ignitis Renewables, have already benefited from the company’s financial support by installing lighting, smart benches, renovating and fitting out the community centre, which is used for community activities and hosting pilgrims.

Church, library, school and community

“Vydmantai community located near our Kretinga wind farm is really special. It boasts highly active residents. We receive financial support inquiries from the parish (for church construction), library, school and the community. In three years, solar energy powered lighting and an outdoor classroom-dome were installed, the gymnasium football pitch was fenced, an outdoor stage was constructed and a wooden structure was built for the church, which is under construction,” E. Musteikytė commented further on the Vydmantai community. 

According to the Chair of Vydmantai Community Centre, Simas Končius, the Vydmantai community is very happy with Ignitis Renewables’ initiative. The financial support granted this year will fund the works on the church facade and door. The funds granted for the library will make it possible to organise a series of events: two plays, nine psychology lectures and twelve outdoor training sessions. Residents of Kretinga and Klaipėda Districts will greatly benefit from such an abundance of initiatives. In addition, the gymnasium will have its electrical installation and ceiling renovated. The funds granted to the community will be used to acquire a container-warehouse, a modular house, outdoor furniture and a tent. Since the community does not have its own premises, the financial support will help to store the property that they have.

“It is important that we did not have to go anywhere and ask for it. A few years ago, the company approached with its financial support model. We are happy that this partnership enables us to attract investments, improve the wellbeing and infrastructure of the community and the settlement,” added S. Končius.

Financial support has been granted for three years in a row

Ignitis Renewables has been supporting communities for three years now. In 2022, the company granted its support to nine communities located near its renewable energy projects, with EUR 86,100 granted in total. In 2023, ten Lithuanian and six Polish projects received financial support, with EUR 350,000 granted in total.

In 2024, projects of the communities located near the wind farms in Tauragė, Mažeikiai, Jurbarkas, Kretinga, Kelmė (Lithuania), Pomerania, Silesia (Poland), and solar farms in Vārme and Stelpe (Latvia) received financial support. The total financial support granted for the projects of the communities in three countries amounts to over EUR 1.1 million. 

An international green energy company, Ignitis Renewables, will be the first company in Lithuania to install advanced bird monitoring systems made by ProTecBird. The bird detection system will detect and recognise the birds flying towards wind turbines in real time. The wind turbines will then be stopped, and the birds will be protected from potential collision. The latest technologies will both ensure the security of the birds and the efficiency of wind turbines. The system is to be installed by next spring. 

According to Lina Žibienė, Head of Environmental and Permitting at Ignitis Renewables, protecting biodiversity is one of the most important objectives in the sustainability strategy of the company. Therefore, as a green energy leader in the Baltic states, the Ignitis Renewables is constantly looking for the most innovative environmental solutions in the projects it develops. 

“Even though we do not currently have the obligation to install the system for wind farms that have been built already, we believe that this decision is very important in order to minimise the environmental impact of our renewable energy projects. While conducting surveys at Kelmė wind farm, we noticed that that there are vulnerable species inhabiting the territory and that additional measures are required to protect them. That is why we decided to act now. We chose the highest-quality technologies that were created by world-renowned manufacturers. The new systems will ensure the maximum efficiency and harmonise the energy generation and the highest environmental standards,” said L. Žibienė. 

The most advanced technologies in the largest wind farm in the Baltic States 

The bird protection system will be installed at Kelmė wind farm, the largest wind farm in the Baltics. The project will consist of 44 wind turbines and its total capacity will be 300 megawatts (MW), It is important to note that the project includes the deployment of advanced environmental solutions, i.e., technologies that nurture the local ecosystem. 

The installed bird monitoring systems will help protect the vulnerable species, including the lesser spotted eagle, the western marsh harrier and the common buzzard, flying around the territory.

Artificial intelligence employed to benefit the nature 

Kelmė wind farm will have 84 bird protection devices installed on 28 wind turbines, which are made by a German manufacturer, ProTecBird. They will be installed 10 metres above the ground. Even though the wind farm will have 44 wind turbines, the number of devices will be enough to cover the whole territory.  

The system uses high-definition cameras and artificial intelligence (AI) to detect and identify birds, including their flight speed, path and height, in real time. If birds enter the 300–600 metre zone, the wind turbines can be stopped within 30 seconds. This technology will make sure that the wind turbines are shut down for a short duration, until the birds pass them, avoiding the long-term generation disruptions. 

The bird monitoring technology evolved as a spin-off from advanced air defense systems originally designed to detect and track drones automatically. With the integration of sophisticated AI modules, it has been transformed into a powerful tool for reliably identifying bird species at wind farms, effectively eliminating the risk of bird collisions.

ProTecBird, a German technology company, pioneers innovative bird protection solutions by merging its deep expertise in ornithology with state-of-the-art technology. This cutting-edge bird monitoring system is remarkably versatile, extending its application beyond wind farms to industrial facilities, stadiums, and airports, where it ensures the safety of both birds and air traffic.  

“We are proud to have Ignitis Renewables choose our AI-powered AVES Wind anti-collision system. It is a privilege to support Lithuania’s energy transition while actively protecting bird species,” says Thorsten Heinzen, CEO of ProTecBird. 

“With the help of this system, we will be able to constantly monitor the birds, including their habitats, flight paths and perhaps discover new species that were not identified before,” says L. Žibienė, when listing the benefits of the bird monitoring system. 

Learn more about how the ProTecBird system works by watching this video. 

The object discovered during a seabed survey in the area designated for the wind farm in the Baltic Sea is actually a shipwreck. This has been finally confirmed by an additional survey. The object was detected on the seabed of the Baltic Sea during the seabed survey conducted by an international green energy company, Ignitis Renewables. The initial survey was carried out to assess the possibilities for the construction of Curonian Nord offshore wind farm. 

Though the initial guess was that it might be a natural formation of moraine rock, a more accurate survey with the help of a remotely operated underwater vehicle dispersed any doubt. There really is a shipwreck laying on the seabed. The 70-metre-long and about 6-metre-high shipwreck is lying 38 metres deep. 

“The approximately 120-square-kilometre seabed area in the Baltic Sea designated for developing offshore wind projects has never been surveyed in detail. Therefore, the current surveys are important not only for the energy sector but also for the Lithuanian scientific community. We have committed to transfer the data we collect to them,” says Dainius Stepanonis, Project Manager at Ignitis Renewables, a company developing Curonian Nord offshore wind farm, who is responsible for seabed surveys. 

According to him, the currently collected data shows that the shipwreck detected on the seabed of the Baltic Sea is not of significant historical value and will not be an obstacle for the development of the wind farm. However, this finding is still sheds light for scientists on what ships used to sail in the territorial waters of our country and for what purposes they were used. 

The available data allows us to determine only an approximate age of the ship; most of the information is deduced from the way the hull plating is welded together. Hull dimensions and proportions and the way the rudder blades are fitted are instrumental in determining the type of the ship. 

All this data allows us to assume that the ship laying on the seabed of the Baltic Sea was probably built no earlier than in the mid-1950s, as it was not until then that welding of the hull plating replaced riveting of the plating of metal-framed ships. The size and proportions of the ship are like the trawler-type ships that used to be built in Lithuania and the other Baltic States since the 1960s. 

Trawlers were mainly used for fishing; they were also used as a base for building scientific research, survey, civil and military vessels. Trawlers were also used for reconnaissance activities. 

As for the cooperation with the Lithuanian scientific community, D. Stepanonis notes that, besides the information about unexpected findings, other relevant information is also shared with scientists. Ignitis Renewables will transfer some of the seabed soil samples collected during the geotechnical surveys to the Lithuanian Geological Survey under the Ministry of Environment.

Ignitis Renewables is developing the first offshore wind farm project in Lithuania. It is estimated that the 700-megawatt (MW) wind farm, located in the Baltic Sea, could generate around three terawatt-hours (TWh) of green electricity per year, which would meet up to a quarter of Lithuania’s current electricity demand. 

It was announced earlier that the survey of the seabed would shed light on the seabed conditions in the Baltic Sea, which would inform the location, construction and design of wind turbines. The survey vessel sailed over 2,000 kilometres to survey this territory of the Baltic Sea, collecting high-quality data. The insights learned after the survey are now used to design the optimal wind turbine foundations and select their locations. 

More information about the project is available at curoniannord.com.

An offshore wind farm project, Curonian Nord, under development by the international green energy company, Ignitis Renewables, is creating an environment for prosperous businesses. During a meeting with shipowners in Klaipėda, representatives of the company discussed the opportunities the first offshore wind farm project in the country offers to Lithuanian maritime transport companies. 

“Lithuania aims to become the first Baltic country to have an operating offshore wind farm. However, the success of this historic energy project depends on a large number of stakeholders – we strive to ensure that each of them find opportunities to engage in the green transition and contribute to the changes,” says Eglė Mikalauskienė, Offshore Port Operations Commercial Manager at Ignitis Renewables. 

During a meeting with members of the Lithuanian Shipowners’ Association and representatives of other maritime organisations, Ignitis Renewables presented the requirements for special purpose ships, which would carry out tasks related to the construction and service of the offshore wind farm from the beginning of the construction period, until the start of the operation and maintenance of the wind farm. 

The meeting was attended by Towmar Baltic, Limarko Group, OJ Crew, Klasco, Boskalis and Sima Baltic, also by representatives of the Klaipėda State Seaport Authority and other organisations. The meeting participants agreed to share information about upcoming tenders for commercial suppliers and other related and relevant information. 

According to E. Mikalauskienė, regular information to shipowners will help them understand what changes should be made so their ships and crews could participate in the projects related to developing, and later operating and maintaining the wind farm. It was noted that the project could help expand the range of services provided by special purpose ships. 

Stressing the importance of cooperation  

During the meeting, the speakers reiterated several times that the green objective of Ignitis Renewables is to target net zero emissions by 2040–2050. Therefore, the renewable energy company encourages local shipowners to consider a possibility and invest in green vehicles and technologies. Members of the Lithuanian Shipowners’ Association agreed that investments would allow for upgrading and being technologically ready to participate in the commercial supply chain tenders. At the same time, the participants of the meeting acknowledged that creating an environmentally neutral supply chain today seems a big challenge. 

“It is clear that the development of the offshore wind farm requires as much cooperation as possible by sharing knowledge, experience and technologies. Shared knowledge opens up opportunities for improvement: it allows us to bring together the workforce and equipment capacities to create high added value and can ensure the long-term competitiveness and development of the wind farm,” commented Gintautas Kutka, Executive Director at the Lithuanian Shipowners’ Association. 

According to G. Kutka, the involvement of potential project partners can ensure that the economic benefits generated by offshore wind projects stay in the region and give impetus to the growth of a new shipping segment – a special purpose fleet and local related industries.  

Meanwhile, the Ignitis Renewables representative emphasised that cooperation with local businesses is equally important as they would supply components and provide services, thus strengthening the resilience of the supply chain. “Events in recent years have taught us the importance of reducing the dependence on international sources and being able to protect ourselves from the impact of disruptions in global supply chains and logistics systems,” said Eglė Mikalauskienė, adding that local services can reduce transport costs while also contributing to a lower carbon footprint. 

Five active years ahead 

The 700-megawatt (MW) offshore wind farm, currently under development in the Baltic Sea, is expected to generate about 3 terawatt-hours (TWh) of green electricity per year. This would meet up to a quarter of Lithuania’s current electricity demand. 

Curonian Nord offshore wind farm will significantly increase the local electricity generation from renewable energy sources, eliminate dependence on electricity imports and facilitate the transformation of the region into a sustainable green energy hub. 

The wind farm should cover about 120 square kilometres of the territory in the Baltic Sea. It will be at least 37 km away from the Lithuanian coast and about 50 km away from the port of Klaipėda. The offshore wind farm is currently scheduled to start operations around 2030. 

You can find more information about the project at curoniannord.com.

Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company, and the Lithuanian Union of Local Community Organisations (LVBOS) are strengthening their partnership and have signed a cooperation agreement. The agreement aims to build a closer relationship with local communities in Lithuania located near the company’s renewable energy projects. This agreement serves as a symbol of Ignitis Renewables’ long-term commitment to local communities and their wellbeing. It will also ensure that the information about the benefits for communities reaches every member.

Ignitis Renewables has a long history of active cooperation with local communities, organising various events and meetings, providing information about its activities and contributing to community projects. This agreement will ensure even greater community engagement in ongoing initiatives and facilitate the development of new projects that respond to local needs and strengthen mutual trust.

“Our goal is to work reliably and harmoniously alongside local communities, focusing on partnerships, activities and projects that bring shared benefits. In three years, we allocated over EUR 1 million for Lithuanian communities in financial support. We wish to share examples of successful cooperation with other communities as well. We also wish to help the communities understand the benefits of living next to renewable energy projects. Cooperation with the LVBOS will give us more opportunities to share good practices and hear the community needs,” says Thierry Aelens, CEO at Ignitis Renewables.

Community organisations can do a lot for their region in the areas of economy, mental wellbeing, the environment, cultural diversity and identity, etc. According to Eglė Juozapavičienė, Head of LVBOS, this partnership will enable local communities to tangibly improve their quality of life while strengthening community trust.

“When people receive the necessary information, they become more aware and trust the decisions more. Our goal is to ensure that local residents are actively involved in the decisions in their communities and that information about business activities and initiates reaches every resident. The partnership with Ignitis Renewables will help create an environment, where all community members can contribute to the mutual wellbeing. Additionally, according to the signed agreement, Ignitis Renewables and LVBOS undertake to participate in each other’s activities, which will further involve the communities and provide outreach opportunities,” says E. Juozapavičienė.

This agreement is an important step towards sustainable and long-term cooperation which strengthens local communities in Lithuania. It will facilitate the dissemination of information and the implementation initiatives, which will have a positive impact on local residents and to the whole country.

The situation in the Baltic Sea, one of the five most polluted seas in the world, has not improved in recent years, but efforts of various public groups, public authorities and businesses can yield results. Curonian Nord offshore wind farm, currently under development by an international green energy company, Ignitis Renewables, can also benefit the Baltic Sea and certainly have a positive impact on the Baltic Sea’s ecosystems in the long term.

A discussion on what actions should be taken by all stakeholders to reverse negative processes in the Baltic Sea was held during a conference called the Future of Ecology in the Baltic Sea, initiated by Ignitis Renewables during a festival, Sveika, Neringa.

Virginijus Sinkevičius, a former European Commissioner and Member of the European Parliament, noted in his presentation that today’s trends in the Baltic Sea raise very serious concerns, and the pollution of this body of water has reached a critical level – around 93% of its territory suffers from eutrophication caused by excess nutrients (mainly nitrogen and phosphorus), i.e. changes in the ecosystem.

“The Baltic Sea is like a sink for the whole region. Our fish even test positive for substances from the pharmaceutical sector, even though the fish do not need ibuprofen for headaches! The biggest headache is human activity, the impact of which is further exacerbated by the enclosed nature of the Baltic Sea and climate change,” says V. Sinkevičius.

He claimed, however, that we certainly have ways to change the situation in the Baltic Sea, but this requires coming together and carrying out specific actions.

All measures have already been found

Simonas Gentvilas, Minister of Environment, said at the conference that the society can take measures to help protect the Baltic Sea from pollution, but that means that its various groups would have to make some compromises.

“A large proportion of the urban population has still not reached 100% connection to sewage networks, and the networks do not catch all the pollutants. This means that shampoos, phosphorus, potassium and other pollutants enter rivers through sewage networks and collect in the Curonian Lagoon,” said S. Gentvilas.

It was noted in the conference that the sea that washes the shores of Lithuania will have to undergo a transformation not only because of the need to take care of its cleanliness, but also because this body of water will soon become a very important part of the energy ecosystem.

Darius Maikštėnas, CEO of Ignitis Group, a company developing the first offshore wind farm in the Baltic States, Curonian Nord, said that this project will have to be implemented by ensuring the maximum safety and environmental protection. “We must think of ways to minimise the impact on the environment when constructing and developing the wind farm, including ways to maximise its benefits,” noted D. Maikštėnas.

According to him, the offshore wind energy sector is already mature enough and has decades of development under its belt, with plenty of technologies that deal with various environmental challenges – all you need to do is to invest in these solutions.

Wind turbines instead of tankers

Minister S. Gentvilas also supported this approach, noting that public fears about the potential environmental impact of the offshore wind farm are understandable, but there are measures to minimise that impact. When it comes to the energy sector, it is necessary to see a broader picture, the assessment of which shows that offshore wind energy projects are inevitable.

“Every year, when we buy gas, oil and electricity, we send EUR 6.5 billion abroad. Statistically, this is EUR 2,000 out of the pocket of each Lithuanian. With the right wind farm design, we have the opportunity to actually improve the situation in the Baltic Sea. So instead of tankers, we need to see wind turbines, which would create associations of a clean sea,” he said.

Vytautas Grubliauskas, the former mayor of Klaipėda, who also attended the conference, recalled that there were discussions about the construction project of the liquefied natural gas terminal too, but today nobody doubts its benefits and importance in terms of energy independence and national security.

Potential benefit for ecosystems

Prof. Artūras Razinkovas-Baziukas from the Marine Research Institute at Klaipėda University, who also made a presentation at the conference, reported that scientists are currently conducting several very large European studies on the Baltic Sea’s environment, which reveal that the situation is not good.

However, the professor noted that there are measures that can contribute to better management of marine resources, the restoration of biodiversity and the improvement of the quality of the environment. The offshore wind energy project may also contribute to this.

“Offshore energy projects have an impact on ecosystems during the construction of wind turbines. When the wind farm starts operating, it can even bring benefits, especially in the Baltic Sea. For example, mussels have practically disappeared in our waters. We hope that, once wind turbines are built, their foundations could become habitats for mussels,” explained A. Razinkovas-Baziukas.

The scientist also emphasised that there will be no fishing activities allowed in the territory of the offshore wind farm; the fish will not be disturbed and will have areas for safe spawning, so the currently depleted fish resources will begin to grow again.

Ignitis Renewables is developing the first offshore wind farm in the Baltic States, Curonian Nord. The project, with a capacity of up to 700 megawatts (MW), will generate about 3 terawatt-hours (TWh) of green electricity per year, which would meet about a quarter of Lithuania’s current electricity demand. The wind farm is currently scheduled to start operations around 2030.

You can find more information about the project at curoniannord.com.

The Baltic Sea is perfectly suitable for developing offshore wind projects, but it is very important that the needs of natural environment are also met in the process by applying the environmental impact mitigation measures. There is plenty of evidence suggesting that, if planned appropriately, offshore wind farms can both generate electricity and facilitate biodiversity. Erected wind turbines can serve as habitats that shelter marine wildlife and contribute to survival and restoration of ecosystems.

Just over a three decades ago, the seas had zero offshore wind farms. Today offshore wind is one of the most talked-about technologies in the energy sector when it comes to mitigating climate change.

With its shallow waters and stable wind, the Baltic Sea is very suitable for developing offshore wind farms. Denmark, Sweden and Germany have already built such wind farms. Poland, Estonia and Finland are also preparing for heavy investments. The same is true in Lithuania, where Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company, is developing the first offshore wind farm in Lithuania, Curonian Nord.

The solutions needed to make this offshore wind farm a contributor to Lithuania’s energy independence and green objectives as well as the wellbeing of marine biodiversity and ecosystems were discussed during a conference on the future of ecology of the Baltic Sea at a festival, Sveika, Neringa.

Extensive research experience

Agnė Lukoševičienė, an environmental expert at Ignitis Renewables, which organised the conference, reminded everyone that the first offshore wind farm in the world was built in the Baltic Sea. Denmark’s Vindeby Offshore Wind Farm, which started operating in 1991, was generating electricity for 25 years using 11 wind turbines located 1.5 to 3 kilometres off the coast.

“It was a tremendously successful project that convinced politicians, planners and developers that offshore energy is not rocket science, but an achievable and successful pursuit. Since it was the first offshore wind farm, it was very interesting from a point of view of environmental research. This wind farm has therefore been the site for a wide range of studies on the environmental impact of offshore wind farms, with long-term observations of electromagnetic fields, noise, changes in animal behaviour, benthic habitats, etc.,” told A. Lukoševičienė.

She pointed out that offshore wind farms and their environmental impact have been studied in our region for over three decades, and during this period a lot of inspiring stories were recorded that show how such objects can contribute to the wellbeing of biodiversity and ecosystems.

“According to the latest studies summarising the 30-year period, after an onshore wind farm is built, it has minimal environmental impact and, if planned appropriately, can even contribute to the enrichment of local ecosystem. For example, the foundations of a wind turbine serve as artificial reefs, molluscs are happy to colonise such structures and form colonies, which means more space for molluscs, which both feed fish and birds and filter the water,” noted the expert from Ignitis Renewables.

Additionally, offshore wind farms often restrict any other activities, which means less ships, less disruptions, so fish stay at such places because they are safe. There are examples, where wind farms in the North Sea helped increase cod and crab stocks and improve the quality of their populations. And, of course, where there are fish, there are seals, which are happy to feed on them. So, the ecosystem is interconnected, more molluscs and undisturbed locations attract more fish, which attract mammals, in our case, seals, which feed on them. With places to hide, fish can reach greater maturity and contribute to healthier and more abundant commercial fish stocks.

“And this only includes conditions which naturally occur after a wind farm is built. Developers are also trying to contribute and improve the biodiversity. For example, they lower artificial reefs, which are constructed using materials that are as natural and environmentally friendly as possible, in order to provide even more space for molluscs. There is one very creative example in Australia, where sculptures were lowered to the bottom to serve as tourist, diver, attractions and as artificial reefs, benthic habitats. According to surveys, one wind turbine could become a home for 4 tonnes of molluscs on average,” estimated A. Lukoševičienė.

She also noted that fish hotels are being developed for offshore wind farms, where fish can quickly hide from bigger fish or seals. They give fish more chances to grow larger. So, applying such measures can also help increase the commercial fish stock, which is fairly relevant in the Baltic Sea as well since there are worrying signs about decreasing cod stocks.

A. Lukoševičienė demonstrated to the audience of the conference the results of a study carried at the North Sea, where GPS trackers were attached to seals in order to find out how seals are behaving near an offshore wind farm. The study results indicated that animals adapt to the wind turbines and use them to their benefit. These images capture a seal’s hunting trip, which makes it easy to see that the animal is not just swimming randomly but knows exactly which wind turbines are most likely to have fish nearby and chooses its route accordingly.

Responsible planning is important

“So, if everything is planned responsibly and implemented meticulously, offshore wind farms can coexist with biodiversity in a friendly and neighbourly fashion. 30 years of experience in offshore wind can be considered both a lot of time and not a lot. Many environmental impacts have already been fully investigated, while others are still the subject of active research. But one thing is clear – both the understanding of renewable energy and ecosystems is growing every day. Cooperation between business, science and environmental institutions is therefore a key factor here,” highlighted the environmental expert from Ignitis Renewables.

She believes that the first and an especially important step when trying to successfully implement an offshore wind project is comprehensive marine spatial planning and the reconciliation of different interests. And there are plenty of interests at sea: tourism, shipping, national security, communications, fishing and many others. And all this must be planned in conjunction with environmental protection.

In order for developers to assess the impact of different stages of development and apply measures properly, including how to avoid impacts or mitigate them to an acceptable level, it’s important to carry out a comprehensive environmental impact assessment, select the mitigation measures and implement them properly and, after the project is implemented, to monitor whether the measures are effective enough, do they achieve the desired effect.

“The Baltic Sea is one of the most heavily used seas in the world. So, countries must take great responsibility for ensuring such type of planning. Lithuania has already done so, and the future offshore wind farms will be developed in areas designated in national planning documents,” noted A. Lukoševičienė.

You can find more information about the project at curoniannord.com. 

Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company, is expanding its operations in Latvia and is currently constructing the largest solar projects in the Baltics in Latvia. By building solar farm projects in Kuldīga, Tukums and Bauska municipalities, the company will be able to provide green energy to almost 200,000 Latvian households. 

“We are actively working on the construction of our projects in Latvia and plan to start producing and supplying green energy to the grid from solar power plants in Latvia as early as next year. We are moving forward with all our projects at a rapid pace, while working closely with local municipalities, parish administrations and communities to strengthen the region, where we build our projects, as a whole,” says Baiba Lāce, Head of Ignitis Renewables in Latvia. 

Ignitis Renewables’ portfolio of solar farms in Latvia currently consists of two solar projects already under construction – the 94 megawatt (MW) Vārme solar farm in Kuldīga municipality and the 145 MW Stelpe solar farm, which consists of two separate sites in Stelpe and Bārbale parishes in Bauska municipality. Construction work is currently underway. The total number of solar panels installed in these projects is around 389,000 and the solar farms will provide green energy to nearly 96,000 households per year. The completion and commercial operation of these solar farms is planned for 2025. 

This autumn, construction work will start on one of the most ambitious solar farm projects in the Baltics – the 174 MW Tume solar farm in Tukums municipality, Tume parish. The Tume solar farm is expected to have more than 282,000 solar panels. This will provide more than 85,000 households with clean energy every year.

“The size of our solar projects in Latvia is truly impressive. In total the solar farms will cover an area of 573 hectares – equivalent to about 840 football pitches. The construction of these large projects that will be able to power thousands of households with clean energy demonstrates our commitment to the region’s move towards a greener and more sustainable future,” says B. Lāce. 

The Head of Ignitis Renewables in Latvia also highlights, that the Tume solar farm will be equipped with a solar tracking system (tracker technology) that can detect the direction of the sun and automatically rotate with it. This system is particularly suited to Latvia’s climate conditions and allows maximum use of solar energy, significantly increasing the efficiency of solar panels even with low sunlight. The Tume solar farm is expected to reach commercial operation in 2026. 

With these projects, Ignitis Renewables plays a key role in Latvia’s transition to renewable energy, significantly contributing to the Baltic region’s energy independence and climate goals. 

We have become accustomed to seeing wind turbines spinning in the fields of Lithuania, providing our country with an increasing amount of green electricity. However, this renewable energy source can be harnessed even more efficiently by installing wind turbines offshore. An international green energy company, Ignitis Renewables, which is developing the largest wind energy projects in Lithuania and the Baltic States, explains why it is essential to generate green electricity both on land and at sea.

The first wind turbine in Lithuania was erected in 2004. Since then, and especially in recent years, the renewables sector in Lithuania has reached a breakthrough. According to Litgrid, electricity transmission system operator, Lithuania generated 3.972 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity from renewable energy sources last year, accounting for 70% of total generation. More than half of it, 2.524 TWh, was generated by wind turbines.

Head of Offshore Development at Ignitis Renewables, Vytautas Rimas, states that the results of wind energy in Lithuania are improving each year. However, this method of electricity generation could be even more efficient and contribute further to Lithuania’s energy independence if the massive potential of the Baltic Sea is utilised.

Potential efficiency is significantly higher

The higher efficiency of offshore wind turbines compared to their onshore counterparts is related to the absence of barriers, such as trees, mountains or buildings, that can obstruct the wind. Moreover, the wind blows continuously at sea, even when it seems calm on land. All this allows for a more efficient and stable electricity generation.

“Electricity output of wind farms depends in large part on wind speed. The offshore wind’s potential is greater, and it is more stable than the onshore wind. This is why offshore wind turbines generate electricity even during periods when onshore wind turbines are inactive due to the lack of wind,” says V. Rimas.

Offshore wind farm generates electricity nearly all the time. Average figures, which are based on the data from the offshore wind farms in the North Sea of one of the largest international offshore wind farm developers, Ørsted, show that offshore wind farms generate electricity nearly all the time. Around 91% of the time there’s enough wind to generate electricity. Only 8% of the time the wind is too weak, and around 1% of the time it is too strong.

According to V. Rimas, this means that an offshore wind farm can generate up to twice as much electricity as an onshore wind farm of the same capacity.

“The first offshore wind farm in Lithuania and the Baltic States, Curonian Nord, will generate around 3 TWh of electricity per year. This accounts for a quarter of Lithuania’s current energy demand. If we add the onshore renewable capacities, we can confidently say that the national energy independence goals are effectively becoming a reality,” emphasises the representative of Ignitis Renewables.

Residents see the advantages too

The foundations of offshore wind farms are designed to withstand the harshest conditions, and they are located far away from residential areas, which makes it possible to install more powerful wind turbines and space them optimally. This also increases their generation efficiency and load factor.

“Also, since offshore wind farms are located further away from the coast, they have a reduced visual impact on the landscape,” explains V. Rimas.

He points out that Lithuanian citizens also understand these advantages of offshore wind farms. A representative survey showed that 77% of the country’s population believes that offshore wind farms should be developed in Lithuania’s Baltic Sea territory to meet the energy generation and independence goals, while only 9% are opposed to such projects.

“Residents understand that generating electricity from renewable energy sources is extremely important both from an environmental and energy independence perspective. Therefore, it is critical to take advantage of all the opportunities provided by nature and ensure the diversification of electricity generation as different methods of generating electricity from renewable energy sources complement each other. Solar energy is the most efficient during the summer days, onshore wind farms are particularly efficient during the colder months, while the offshore wind farms are the most stable compared to the first two methods,” notes Head of Offshore Development at Ignitis Renewables.

The Curonian Nord offshore wind farm, with a capacity of up to 700 megawatts (MW) will cover an area of about 120 square kilometres in the Baltic Sea and will be positioned least 37 km away from the shore and about 50 km from the Port of Klaipėda. The offshore wind farm is expected to become operational around 2030.

You can find more information about the project at curoniannord.com. 

Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company, is expanding its operations in Latvia. The investment decision foresees an investment up to EUR 106 million in the development of the 174 megawatt (MW) Tume solar farm, which will be one of the largest of its kind in the Baltics. This will be the third Ignitis Renewables solar project in Latvia and demonstrates the company’s commitment to accelerating the region’s drive towards a greener and more sustainable future.

“We are ambitiously working to expand the renewable energy segment and develop new projects in Latvia, as Ignitis Renewables sees huge growth potential in this region. Expanding our portfolio of solar energy projects is a significant benefit for households, businesses and for supporting local community initiatives in the region where we are developing renewable energy projects. It also allows us to move closer to implementing Ignitis Group’s strategic priority to deliver 4–5 GW of installed green capacities by 2030,” stated Thierry Aelens, CEO at Ignitis Renewables.

The Tume solar farm will be located in the Tume parish of Tukums municipality. The targeted total capacity of the project will reach 174 MW, being able to supply up to 85,000 households with electricity per year. This will be the first Ignitis Renewables project to use tracker technology, which automatically tracks the sun’s movement, increasing the production efficiency of the sun panels, resulting in more electricity being generated.

The initial construction phase of the project is scheduled to start later this year, with commercial operation scheduled for 2026.

Expanding portfolio of solar projects

Ignitis Renewables’ portfolio of solar farms in Latvia currently consists of two solar farms already under construction – the 94 MW Vārme solar project in Kuldīga municipality and the 145 MW Stelpe solar project, which consists of two separate sites in Stelpe and Bārbale parishes in Bauska municipality. The completion and commercial operation of these solar farms is planned for 2025.

The current investment in the development of solar projects by Ignitis Renewables in Latvia is estimated at around EUR 284 million, which includes both construction and project development costs. Over the next few years, the Ignitis Group plans to invest a total of around EUR 700 million in Latvia. The majority of the investment will be in renewable energy projects.

Emphasis on support for local communities and environmental protection

For Ignitis Renewables, sustainable and close cooperation with local communities in the vicinity of renewable energy projects under development is essential. The company implements cooperation and support programmes with local communities when developing renewable energy projects. This year, Ignitis Renewables support programme is also available in Latvia, providing financial support to projects and initiatives of local communities and organisations.

“Ignitis Renewables cannot implement renewable energy projects without working closely with local community organisations, building relationships based on mutual understanding and trust. Cooperation with local communities is the foundation of Ignitis Renewables’ sustainable development. We are committed to ensuring that Ignitis Renewables’ renewable energy projects add value to local communities and businesses, as well as to the region as a whole” said Baiba Lāce, Head of Ignitis Renewables in Latvia.

In addition, Ignitis Renewables, alongside the construction of renewable energy projects, is implementing a major environmental programme to reduce the impact on local populations, wildlife and the overall landscape. This approach underscores Ignitis Renewables’ commitment to environmental protection in renewable energy development. 

The absolute majority of Lithuanian citizens rate electricity generation from renewable energy sources positively and believe that the country should produce all the energy it needs this way. Offshore wind energy has a significant role to play in this – the majority of Lithuanians are in favour of development of wind farms in the Baltic Sea.

The representative study, conducted by KOG Institute for Marketing and Communication Sciences, disclosed the respective opinions of Lithuanians. Moreover, the study also set out to find out how coastal area residents view offshore wind energy. It became apparent that most residents consider the electricity generation in the Baltic Sea to strengthen Lithuania’s energy independence and they have almost no misconceptions about wind farms.

The study showed that as much as 77% of Lithuanian citizens believe that it is strategically important for Lithuania to be able to generate all the electricity it needs itself, while nearly the same number of respondents (76%) agree with the statement that the electricity generation from renewable energy sources increases the country’s energy independence.

Also, 77% of the population agrees that offshore wind farms should be developed in the Lithuanian territory in the Baltic Sea to achieve the national electricity generation and energy independence goals, while only 9% say they do not support such projects.

In the coastal region, 66% of residents stated that they support the development of offshore wind farms. Paulius Kalmantas, Communication Partner at Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company, notes that even though a slightly lower number of coastal region residents agree with the development of offshore wind, they are better informed about this type of electricity generation method and have fewer stereotypes about it compared to people living in cities, farther away from the Baltic Sea’s coastline.

“People living near the coast and in Western Lithuania have a stronger and more positive opinion on offshore wind farms than other Lithuanians. Coastal residents have a higher tendency to agree that such generation assets have no negative impact on the quality of life and are important for the national energy independence,” states P. Kalmantas.

For example, 67% of coastal residents believe that offshore wind farms are located sufficiently away from the residential territories for the noise generated by the wind farms to reach them. Whereas in Lithuania as a whole, only 18% of citizens agree with this statement.

Also, 61% of coastal residents agree that offshore electricity generation is more effective than onshore, 49% believe that such method of generation is more stable. At the national level, 17% and 12% of the residents agree with these statements respectively.

“To achieve the strategic goals of Lithuanian and European energy sectors, we must develop both offshore and onshore wind farms. However, when considering their differences, offshore wind farms clearly have greater potential as the electricity generation is more stable. Since we talk more about offshore in Western Lithuania, the locals are better acquainted with this information. At the same time, coastal residents are less scared of wind turbines because wind energy in the coastal region is no longer a novelty,” states P. Kalmantas.

It is also important to note that, even though citizens across the country believe that renewables play a major role in achieving energy independence, coastal residents maintain the opinion that offshore wind farms are also very important in this context. In total, 70% of Lithuanians and 77% of coastal residents consider offshore wind farms important for energy independence.

78% of coastal residents believe that the development of offshore wind energy can significantly contribute to the growth of the country’s economy, whereas this view is upheld by just 69% of Lithuanian citizens.

“It is clear that electricity generation from renewable energy sources, specifically offshore, has a very large support in Lithuania, while the coastal residents have fewer stereotypes associated with it. Many have a clear understanding that offshore wind farms are very safe, environmentally friendly, have no impact on landscape and can significantly contribute to Lithuania’s green energy and energy independence goals,” notes Ignitis Renewables representative.

He reminds us that Ignitis Renewables is developing the first offshore wind farm in the Baltic states, Curonian Nord, with a capacity of up to 700 megawatts (MW), which will generate around 3 terawatt-hours (TWh) of green electricity per year, enough to cover around a quarter of Lithuania’s current electricity demand. The offshore wind farm is expected to become operational around 2030.

The representative opinion survey of Lithuanian residents was performed by KOG Institute for Marketing and Communication Sciences in spring 2024. Citizens between ages 18 and 64 from across Lithuania took an online survey. 1,009 individuals have participated in the survey in total. Additionally, 200 respondents from Western Lithuania (Tauragė, Jurbarkas, Kelmė and Mažeikiai) and 350 respondents from the coastal region (Neringa, Kretinga, Palanga and Klaipėda) were surveyed via the phone or in person.

You can find more information about the project at curoniannord.com. 

As both Lithuanian residents and tourists from abroad are looking for new and exciting experiences, industrial tourism has seen a boost in popularity. The number of such points of interest that enrich visitors with knowledge and unexpected sensations has been increasing. The offshore wind farm, Curonian Nord, which is being developed by Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company, could become one of the points of interest for tourists in Lithuania, and examples from other countries indicate that new niche services could emerge.

Mykolas Bistrickas, Director at the Museum of Energy and Technology of Lithuania, says that industrial and energy tourism is booming, and this trend will only grow because people are becoming more aware and curious.

“I have been working in this field since 2018 and am noticing the increase in its popularity both in Lithuania and abroad. I believe that the increase in popularity in energy tourism is related to the people’s increasing interest in ecology, renewable energy. These topics are important to all of us, so people are starting to look for their origins, for example, they are visiting the first public power plant in Vilnius, which reveals both the past and the future of the energy sector,” tells M. Bistrickas.

He illustrates the boost in popularity of industrial tourism with numbers – last year the Museum of Energy and Technology had 145,000 visitors, while it failed to reach 20,000 just five years ago. “This is true in other attractions as well. Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant, which is being decommissioned, and other industrial, technical and heritage sites are also experiencing the growth in visitors,” assures M. Bistrickas.

Opportunities for local communities

There’s no shortage of examples of industrial tourism becoming more popular in Lithuania, including an energy festival Mechanisms, which takes place in the capital, tours to Vilnius Combined Heat and Power Plant 2, Ekranas factory in Panevėžys as well as facilities of Ignitis Group, which are visited by thousands every year: Kruonis Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Plant, Kaunas Hydroelectric Power Plant and Vilnius and Kaunas Combined Heat and Power Plants.

Ignitis Renewables has already tested the waters by allowing tours to wind farms. Together with a public body Žaliasis Regionas and the municipality of Tauragė district, it started organising an education programme called the Wind is Coloured Green, where tourists are invited to visit an onshore wind farm located near Tauragė and learn how green electricity is being generated with the help of a natural phenomenon. Local community members were eager to join the programme. They were specially trained by Ignitis Group’s employees and are currently giving tours to visitors.

Anne-Marie Roikjær, Curonian Nord Project Director, is confident that the first Lithuanian offshore wind farm, Curonian Nord, could become a tourist attraction. “There are many examples in Lithuania and abroad, where the energy sector and tourism have great synergies. The offshore wind farm also has a huge potential to become an industrial tourism attraction. It will be impressive in terms of its size and strategic importance,” says A. Roikjær.

The Curonian Nord project is expected to increase the number of tourism services in Klaipėda and coastal resorts. This is true in other countries, which have offshore wind farms. They generate electricity while also serving as tourist attractions. 

Offshore wind farms are becoming tourist attractions

Countries that have been building offshore energy projects for some time are welcoming tourists to visit the sites. For example, in Denmark a tourist vessel can sail up to Anholt Offshore Wind Farm, which has 111 wind turbines, and Middelgrunden Offshore Wind Farm, which is located in the Baltic Sea near Copenhagen, offers special tours to the offshore wind farm site.

Netherlands are welcoming tourists to sail the North Sea and visit the Offshore Wind Farm Egmond aan Zee to learn more about the wind energy. Visitors are also welcome at Thorntonbank Wind Farm in Belgium and Nordsee Ost offshore wind farm in Germany. Such attractions are also popular in the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

“It’s easy to imagine that Lithuania could also have tourist vessels sailing to and from the offshore wind farm, with accommodation, catering, bike rent and other services waiting for them on land. Curonian Nord has a potential to generate a lot of value for local residents: just like for example the Ostend resort in Belgium, which is famous for its golden beaches, beloved by tourists, and has 9 offshore wind farms nearby,” states A. Roikjær, the representative of Ignitis Renewables.

You can find more information about the project at curoniannord.com.

The majority, or 76% of the surveyed Lithuanians agree that renewables are strengthening Lithuania’s energy independence. The data comes from a representative survey of Lithuanian residents. Residents favour electricity generated using solar, offshore and onshore wind energy the most.

“Lithuanians consider renewable energy as a very significant contributor to the national energy independence. The survey shows that 77% of the population agrees to the statement that for Lithuania it’s strategically important to be able to generate all the electricity it needs itself. Nearly the same number of respondents (76%) believe that Lithuania’s energy independence is being strengthened by developing renewables,” says Paulius Kalmantas, Communication Partner at an international green energy company Ignitis Renewables.

According to him, residents have a strong opinion on local green energy generation. According to the survey, only 3–4% of residents have doubts regarding these statements and only a fifth of them have no opinion.

Developing renewable energy is one of the most important goals when it comes to national energy independence. Lithuania is implementing its National Energy Independence Strategy and has an ambitious objective to cover 100% of electricity needs of the country using renewable energy sources.

According to the representative from Ignitis Renewables, it’s a mission possible. “The projects we develop significantly contribute to increasing the local generation of electricity using renewable energy sources, thus reducing Lithuania’s dependence on electricity imports while facilitating the regional transition to a sustainable green energy hub,” says P. Kalmantas.

Solar and wind energy is favoured by the most

According to the survey, residents rate the electricity generation from solar and wind energy the most positively. 88% of the respondents perceive solar energy very positively or positively, and 77% of them have similar opinions on offshore energy. Additionally, nearly as many (75%) respondents also rate onshore wind energy positively or very positively.

“The survey data reveals that the reason for the positive attitude of respondents towards the development of solar and wind energy capacities is their contribution to the national energy independence. Residents also consider the energy generated by them as clean and easily utilised. Some of the residents are aware of and appreciate the possibility for communities living near our wind or solar farms to receive financial support,” notes P. Kalmantas.

The representative from Ignitis Renewables, which has been rapidly developing wind farms for a couple of years, notes that the respondents in the regions which already have or will soon have the company’s wind farms statistically have a more favourable perception of wind energy compared to the country’s average.

“This indicates that, as with all innovations, wind farms and the renewable energy sector are still shrouded in myths that are not true. We often fear what we do not know. The survey results and our constant engagement with local communities prove once again that residents who live near already operating renewable energy facilities are no longer subjected to misleading information about their impact on people’s health, farming, etc.,” says the representative of Ignitis Renewables.

The representative opinion survey of Lithuanian residents was performed by KOG Institute for Marketing and Communication Sciences in spring 2024. Residents of between ages of 18 and 64 from across Lithuania took an online survey. 1,009 individuals participated in the survey. Additionally, 200 residents from Western Lithuania (Tauragė, Jurbarkas, Kelmė and Mažeikiai) and 350 residents from the coastal region (Neringa, Kretinga, Palanga and Klaipėda) were surveyed via the phone or in person.