Leading green energy company in the Baltics

Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company, continues to provide significant financial support to communities located near wind and solar farms that are under development or already in operation. This year, it plans to allocate over EUR 420 thousand to communities. Over the last four years the financial support granted by Ignitis Renewables to communities in Lithuania, Latvia and Poland has reached EUR 2.5 million. The financial support is targeted at strengthening local initiatives, encouraging community involvement and contributing to the creation of a harmonious, safe and sustainable environment. All the financial support granted is voluntary and does not include the generation fee applicable to renewable energy projects provided for by law.

“We develop renewable energy projects to strengthen the energy system and form a competitive price zone in the region. We also strive to bring tangible benefits to the communities located near our operations. Today, the financial support granted by Ignitis Renewables to communities has reached EUR 2.5 million. We will continue to be good neighbours and invest in what matters to people the most, i.e., their ideas, initiatives and opportunities to change their environment,” says Darius Maikštėnas, CEO of Ignitis Group.

An invitation to grow

After granting voluntary financial support to local communities for three years, Ignitis Renewables again invites you to be a part of changes. The aim of this year’s invitation is to support sustainable and future-oriented initiatives in areas where the company is developing or has already implemented green energy projects. Applications may be submitted by communities operating in the districts of Kelmė, Kretinga, Jurbarkas, and Tauragė, i.e., where Ignitis Renewables is developing or has already implemented wind and solar farms.

Financial support may be granted to legal entities with the status of a support recipient that have been operating for at least one year. The programme’s priorities remain the same: energy efficiency, renewables development, environmental protection and climate change mitigation. Any projects that contribute to the responsible, long-term growth of local communities is welcome, including projects related to health, social welfare initiatives, education, culture or entrepreneurship.

Applications will be received by email. All the information about documents, deadlines and the application process will be posted on the company’s website in the near future. Now it would be a great time for communities to start gathering members, planning ideas and preparing for activities.

Three years of changes

The involvement of communities in the financial support programme is increasing every year. The first time Ignitis Renewables announced the call for applications was 2022, and since then it has become a consistent, purposefully developed initiative that is already contributing to making real changes in various regions of Lithuania. In the first three years alone, financial support was granted to several dozen communities, ranging from smaller villages to larger settlements leading social, educational, or environmental initiatives.

The amount of financial support grew from EUR 86 thousand in 2022 to over EUR 561 thousand in 2024. This year the allocated amount is EUR 420 thousand, so the total financial support granted in Lithuania will reach almost EUR 1.3 million. This showcases both continuity as well as consistent significant financial contribution to regional communities. Along with financial support grew communities’ confidence and courage to pursue ambitious ideas, and the Ignitis Renewables’ programme is increasingly seen as an opportunity to work towards long-term value.

Among the projects already implemented is a dome built on the grounds of Vydmantai Gymnasium by the initiative of the community. It is a space for outdoor activities, where educational events, meetings and mental health activities take place. Pikeliai used the financial support to renovate a smart bench and facilities for pilgrims, while Lauksargiai used it to purchase traditional clothing and set up a stage for holding events with lighting solutions.

In turn, the Butkiškės Community Association, having received financial support, undertook a major renovation of the community centre. Windows were replaced, electrical wiring was updated, walls, floors, and ceilings were renovated and heat pumps and a stage were installed. This space has become a cultural and meeting center where theatre rehearsals and events take place, local residents gather. The space was modified to facilitate both creativity as well as warmth, cosiness, and community spirit. These examples show that significant financial support can serve as an enabler, helping communities not only to implement their ideas but also to create long-term value for their environment.

“We see more and more communities taking advantage of this opportunity every year. Financial support encourages people to act and their confidence in their ideas – to take on projects that they might not have dared to undertake before. This long-term partnership allows us to build a solid foundation for change, from small initiatives to solutions that transform people’s everyday lives, strengthen community spirit and make them proud of their town,” says Emilija Musteikytė, Communities Engagement Team Lead at Ignitis Renewables.

When ideas become real projects

Even small-scale projects can have a significant impact, as demonstrated by the growing number of communities that have seized the opportunity to implement what matters most in their everyday lives. From practical solutions to strengthening community spirit, these initiatives are changing not only the environment, but also people’s relationship with it.

Success stories are also born outside of Lithuania. In Poland, near Pomerania wind farm, local artists participated in a painting workshop entitled “En plein air: Artists Meet Among Wind Turbines” whose works were later exhibited in an exhibition. The creative environment among the wind turbines has fostered a sense of unity and interest in renewable energy. In two years, a total around EUR 395 thousand has been granted to communities in Poland. The community programme was launched in Latvia last year, and EUR 270 thousand was granted to the first projects, which are currently being implemented.

In 2025, the financial support to be granted in the three countries amounts to around EUR 900 thousand, including EUR 200 thousand to Poland, and EUR 225 thousand to Latvia. It is a significant investment in local communities, demonstrating that the programme has long-term and international significance.

“When communities are given the opportunity to implement their ideas, the changes come not only to the area, but also to the relationships between people. Such initiatives set an example for others, inspire them to act more boldly and showcase that the development of green energy is not only about electricity, but also about the people living near the projects as well as the opportunity to grow together” says E. Musteikytė.

More about financial support here.

Ignitis Group, a renewables-focused integrated utility, is starting the construction of battery energy storage systems (BESS) in Lithuania. Battery energy storage parks will be installed around Kelmė, Mažeikiai and Kruonis. With a combined 291-megawatt (MW) power and 582 megawatt-hour (MWh) storage capacity, they are one of the first utility-scale BESS projects in the country. This technology stores surplus electricity and sends it back when the demand increases, thus helping to balance the system and ensure reliable electricity supply. The total investments into battery energy storage parks amount to around EUR 130 million. 

“Power generation from renewables is growing in Lithuania, which makes battery energy storage systems an important guarantee of reliability. They make the network more flexible, enable efficient use of green energy and help maintain stability even through heavy fluctuations. Battery energy storage systems are a key component of green transition as they will help integrate more green capacities, balance the fluctuations in power prices as well as reduce them,” says Darius Maikštėnas, CEO of Ignitis Group. 

BESS will be developed in three sites, including Kelmė and Mažeikiai wind farms, which are operated by the international green energy company Ignitis Renewables, as well as by Kruonis Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Power Plant, operated by Ignitis Gamyba.  

Usually, after considering the system needs and technical capacity, BESS are installed near operating power plants, where they help manage local system loads more efficiently. BESS will facilitate the integration of more green capacities and increase network resilience, thus making the entire system more reliable. They will also contribute to national energy goals and strengthen regional energy infrastructure. 

The construction of all BESS projects is estimated to commence this year with commercial operations planned for 2027. The German company Rolls-Royce Solutions GmbH will provide the equipment and the integration services for all three BESS projects. The information and generation control systems of the BESS will be protected against remote access from countries identified as posing a threat under Lithuania’s National Security Strategy. 

How do battery energy storage systems work? 

Battery energy storage systems are becoming an important component of the energy infrastructure and allow for a more efficient utilisation of the generated energy. BESS can store the electricity received from the network and directly from power plants, including wind and solar farms. They work on a similar principle to batteries used at home, just at a much bigger scale. The stored energy is returned to the network when it is needed the most or in case of lower power generation.  

These solutions contribute to a more efficient operation of the energy system, help balance the fluctuations in power generation and consumption as well as decrease the reliance on reserve fossil-fuel-fired power plants. They make electricity supply more reliable and resilient to short-term fluctuations in power generation and consumption. 

Their major feature is their ability to integrate wind and solar capacities more efficiently as power generation windows sometimes do not coincide with peak demand. They are one of the key components of energy independence and long-term climate neutrality goals. 

“Battery energy storage systems bridge two principal aims of renewables, which is generating clean energy and ensuring its consistent supply. The window is now open for smart and sustainable innovations,” says A. Dučinskas. 

Reliable and secure infrastructure 

BESS react to changes in the network in real time and turn on exactly when it is necessary to ensure system stability, which helps maintain consistent supply of electricity even when poor weather conditions affect power generation. They protect against unexpected disruptions and contribute to smooth network operation. 

The state-of-the-art battery storage technologies are designed for maximum safety and under strict environmental standards. They do not pollute, they operate quietly and can be integrated in the current energy infrastructure. In certain conditions, cooling fans may be turned on, but the noise they generate is minimal and can be further reduced if necessary to maintain the comfort of nearby residents. Additional security is ensured with fire safety systems and constant maintenance. 

“These systems benefit both the system and the people. They do not draw attention but ensure that electricity supply is always constant. For energy infrastructure, this is a step forward because you no longer have to choose between clean and reliable energy. Both these aspects can now go hand in hand, quietly and sustainably,” notes A. Dučinskas. 

Festival Savos Bangos, a laboratory for sustainable future creators, drew out both Klaipėda’s residents and visitors from across Lithuania. Sustainability was celebrated by speakers sharing their expertise and knowledge and visitors readily participating in the available activities, educational programmes, discussions and art projects. 

Olga Žalienė, Director of Lithuanian Sea Museum, says she’s glad that the festival tradition flourishes with people and communities actively participating in promoting sustainability and discovering new approaches to environmental protection.  

“Water is reused constantly in both the dolphinarium and aquariums. The water quality is maintained by modern equipment, including a closed-loop life support system. It constantly filters the water and supplements it with the necessary components to ensure suitable conditions for the museum’s animals. As all these processes require a lot of energy, we are trying to conserve it and use renewable energy sources. That’s why we acquired a remote solar farm eighteen months ago,” spoke O. Žalienė, Director of Lithuanian Sea Museum, about an important decision during a discussion ‘What is the true sustainability?’ held at the festival. 

According to her, renewable energy sources cover half of the museum’s electricity needs. The Director supports the idea of clean energy, including solar and wind. “I would love if the other half of our electricity demand would be covered by offshore wind,” said O. Žalienė. 

Lithuanian consumption data indicates that energy demand is increasing. Green energy is becoming more and more relevant to sustainability-conscious consumers and the economy.  

Research suggests that serene environment surrounding the power plants attracts wildlife 

During the discussion, Agnė Lukoševičienė, an environmental expert at the international green energy coapny Ignitis Renewables, emphasized the importance of continuous engagement of the public when developing renewables projects. This is especially true for local communities, which feel the greatest economic benefits of wind farm development in the form a growing economic ecosystem that involves local residents and creates new jobs. Crucially, new jobs strengthen national energy independence and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, which significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. 

“Lithuania having its offshore wind farm would mean a remarkable technological progress. We simultaneously consider the environmental impact assessment while proposing and aligning national legislation with the best international practices for such projects,” said A. Lukoševičienė, adding that everyone is welcome to study the results of the environmental impact assessment. 

The environmental expert explained that the world’s first offshore wind farm was erected in the Baltic Sea, off the coast of Denmark. Denmark’s Vindeby wind farm, which started operations in 1991, had 11 turbines installed 1.5–3 kilometres offshore, generated electricity for 25 years. This successful project convinced the public of the offshore potential while scientists conducted extensive environmental studies over decades, dispelling any misconceptions raised in Denmark and other countries.  

According to A. Lukoševičienė, the offshore wind farm in the Baltic Sea was a vehicle for extensive research, including electromagnetic fields, noise, changes in animal behaviour, seabed habitats, etc. Years of research yielded inspiring accounts demonstrating how such installations contribute to biodiversity and ecosystem welfare as wildlife is returning to these serene maritime shelters with low human disturbance.  

During the discussion, Dr. Vaida Survilienė, a scientist from Vilnius University, illustrated the topic with an example of emerging grey seal behaviour. According to the scientist, the research indicates that seals like wind turbines. “Wind turbines create a kind of artificial reef that provides food resources for mammals. Transmitters attached to the animals show that seals swim around almost every offshore wind turbine tower. Similar patterns emerge among porpoises, which are like tiny whales, which are shy and particularly sensitive to the environment. Wind turbines create an environment, which marine animals actively visit and enjoy being in,” stated Dr. V. Survilienė. 

A plethora of unforgettable experiences 

Environmental welfare and human approach towards nature were the main themes of the festival. Appropriately, it commenced with Klaipėda Puppet Theatre’s mystery play “About Fish and Men” in Danė Square. 

Afterwards, plenty of activities took place, including an open art installation workshop titled “Seaweed”, an eco-oriented quiz, a VR film premier at the Lithuanian Sea Museum, unique concerts and comedic performances.  

Festival participants engaged in plenty of experiences and activities organised by the partners of the event, including various companies and organisations. This year, the initiative of Lithuanian Sea Museum and Ignitis Renewables was joined by 17 companies. Organisers noted that the highlight was students from Klaipėda Varpas Gymnasium, who conducted circular economy workshops throughout the day, showcasing how sustainable future depends on commitments of an individual. 

Considerable interest surrounded the dystopian future of the Baltic Sea in the form of a virtual reality film, “Future Baltic: Dystopia or Reality?”, which was created by a renowned author of VR projects, Vilius Petrauskas, in collaboration with Lithuanian Sea Museum’s scientists and specialists. 

Festival Savos Bangos, a laboratory for sustainable future creators, was crowned by a concert of the cello ensemble Voiceless, accompanied by a composer Jievaras Jasinskis. The prepared piece was a contemporary interpretation of Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis’s symphony “The Sea”, an impressively undulating piece of music that spoke of the future. 

Unique educational activities organised by an international energy company Ignitis Renewables will take place from 15 June to 13 July next to Jūratė and Kastytis Square on J. Basanavičiaus Street. Visitors will learn about the wind energy through fun and interactive activities for the whole family.

The education space was opened on 15 June to commemorate the Global Wind Day, which turned into an amazing wind festival in Palanga. The festival was brimming with activities from dawn till dusk, and the celebration was crowned by a performance from DJ Jovani on the bridge of Palanga, where people watched the sunset in a company of music and good mood. Now that the hustle and bustle of the celebration is over, the education space will remain open for the entire month, inviting everyone to exciting discoveries.

“We wish to show people that renewable energy as much an inspiring and creative topic as it is a solution for the future because here everyone can discover it. The platform in Palanga will be open for one month and is waiting for you to come, ask, play and experience. We feel it’s important to talk about this in plain terms with a smile and be accessible. This is how true curiosity is born about topics that seem difficult on a first glance,” says Vaiva Rutkauskaitė, Head of #EnergySmartSTART Education Programmes.

Wind experiments on the Wind Day

As on every summer weekend, Palanga was bustling with excitement and entertainment. However, on June 15, during the Palanga Wind Festival, the city was filled with plenty of wind-related activities. During the festival, residents and visitors of the city were treated to a wide range of activities, from a yacht regatta and kiteboarding lessons for beginners to a jump from the Palanga bridge by an extreme-sports athlete Nick Jacobsen. There were surfing lessons, children sailed on Optimist sailboats, enjoyed water trampoline parks and skateboard shows in the city, and in the evening, DJ Jovani entertained the crowd gathered on the Palanga bridge.

During the festival, the Ignitis Renewables education space was launched, where people had a unique opportunity to try the educational activities organised by the Energy and Technology Museum. The museum brought three exhibits that allow visitors to experience up close what people usually see only in textbooks or documentary films. One of the most impressive exhibits was a Tesla coil, an invention by Nikola Tesla, an inventor who showed how electricity can travel by air. Another exhibit was a Van de Graaff generator that allows a person to experience static charge. If you touch it, it makes your hair stand up.

After the end of the festival, Ignitis Renewables education space remained open and invites visitors to learn about renewable energy. Activities will take place every day until 13 July, from 2 pm to 9 pm. You can stop there on your way to or from the beach, spend an afternoon with your family, or just take a curious look around. The activities are for all, children, parents, and grandparents alike.

Every Saturday, visitors of the education space will be treated to special weekly activities that have already become favourites and were presented during the wind festival. On 28 June and 12 July, you can participate in kite workshops. Children will be able to decorate kites however they like. They will be able to colour, write, and draw, making each kite unique. Once they have finished making their kites, children will be able to try them out in the sea breeze, flying them over the dunes or on the beach.

On 21 June and 5 July, the kite workshop will not take place. Instead, there will be a special electric bicycle that generates electricity. Visitors will be able to pedal it and observe in real time how much energy their efforts generate. It is a great opportunity to understand how much effort is required to generate even a small amount of energy and a chance to appreciate the power of wind and the power of wind turbines.

Relaxation, games and discoveries all month long

Besides special Saturday activities, other engaging educational activities will be available daily, including Saturdays, from 2 pm to 9 pm. One of the main attractions – virtual reality goggles that allow you to go up to the top of a wind turbine, which is around 160 metres high. It’s a unique opportunity to experience the scale of the turbine safely. This experience is visual and memorable because most people see what’s it like from the top of the turbine for the first time.

The Ignitis Renewables education space features a rotating fact stand that displays short, interesting facts about renewable energy. There you can quickly learn how much electricity was generated by wind farms in Lithuania last year, how much energy is generated by one rotation of a wind turbine, or what benefits renewable energy brings to the environment. The little ones will enjoy a drawing area and games that will encourage them to compete and talk about electricity, how is it made, how it reaches us and what it means to live sustainably. 

Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company, has completed the largest wind energy project in Lithuania and the Baltic States as Kelmė wind farm, with an installed capacity of 314 megawatts (MW), has officially commenced full commercial operations. It is one of the most significant projects in the region for Ignitis Renewables, which will substantially boost local green electricity generation and contribute to green transition in Lithuania and the region. 

“The contribution of Kelmė wind farm to local electricity generation will be highly impactful. Its annual power output will cover one month of Lithuania’s electricity demand. The wind farm will generate around 1 terawatt-hour (TWh) of electricity per year, which is approximately one-twelfth of the Lithuania’s total annual consumption. Such projects are essential for achieving Lithuania’s long-term goals of sustainable, reliable, and competitive electricity generation,” says Darius Maikštėnas, CEO of Ignitis Group. 

A project of national significance 

Kelmė wind farm is the largest of its kind in Lithuania as well as in the entire Baltic region. With 314 MW of installed capacity, the wind farm will play a major role in local electricity generation and marks a leap forward in Lithuanian energy system’s development. The wind farm will generate enough electricity to power approximately a quarter of a million households, which is equivalent to the electricity needs of the entire Kaunas district. Power generation at this scale significantly boosts Lithuania’s local electricity generation. It also reduces dependence on energy imports and increases grid stability. 

The project is located in the Kelmė district, which makes it one of the most active geographic regions in terms of developing renewables and a renewables hub in Lithuania. The green infrastructure under development here demonstrates that the transition to sustainable energy sources is not just a long-term vision, it is already happening here and now. 

“Green energy development is a national strategic goal, and the Kelmė district is playing an active role in its pursuit. We are moving forward with a strong sense of responsibility toward both national goals and the expectations of local communities. It is important to us that decisions are made responsibly, in cooperation with and with respect for local residents,” says Ildefonsas Petkevičius, Mayor of Kelmė District Municipality. 

Built in two stages 

Kelmė wind farm was built in two stages. In the first stage, which reached the commercial operations date in April 2025, 16 wind turbines were erected with a total installed capacity of 114 MW. In the second phase, which is commencing commercial operations at the moment, 28 more turbines were built, increasing the wind farm’s capacity by an additional 200 MW. 

The wind farm now comprises 44 state-of-the-art wind turbines, approximately 7 MW and up to 240 meters tall each. They are the most powerful wind turbines ever installed in Lithuania. The Nordex N163/6.X model was selected for its generation efficiency and suitability for local conditions. 

The total investments in the project, including acquisition and construction costs, amounts to approximately EUR 550 million. Kelmė wind farm has become a cornerstone project in the Ignitis Renewables green generation portfolio and plays a key role in the Ignitis Group’s strategy to reach 4–5 gigawatts (GW) of installed capacity by 2030 and to build a 100% green energy ecosystem for current and future generations. 

Financial support for eight community projects 

The launch of Lithuania’s largest wind farm also brings new opportunities for nearby communities. For the first time, eight projects in the Kelmė district were awarded financial support from Ignitis Renewables, with a total value of nearly EUR 192 thousand. The funds were used to renovate a community centre, for lighting and heating solutions, events, and other local needs. 

The Butkiškė community used the funds for the long-awaited renovation of the community centre. Premises on the second floor of the building were not suitable for activities and gatherings. According to the community chair, the renovated space will now serve as a cozy area for creative and leisure activities. 

The Vaiguva community will use the funds to install a heating system and backup electricity supply in their community centre as well as to purchase equipment for events. “It’s important that these projects not only meet the current needs, but also contribute to long-term safety and comfort for the residents. These investments help improve the infrastructure and enable future activities that engage more people,” says Dalia Skardžiuvienė, Chair of Vaiguva Community and Consultant for Pakėvis Community. 

Other organisations also received financial support. The Vaiguva Youth Community project Leaders used the funds to improve the sports facilities and purchase technical equipment. The Kražiai Cultural Centre plans to replace outdated courtyard lighting, while the sports club Antivis will organise five sports events. 

“We are committed to being good neighbours to the communities located near our wind farms, both operational and under construction. We provide financial support for community projects that improve infrastructure, educate the public and promote cultural activities. Currently, we offer voluntary financial support to communities, and in the future, we will begin paying a generation fee, currently set at 1 euro per megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity generated,” says Giedrius Meškelė, Head of Ignitis Renewables in Lithuania. 

The communities located near Kelmė wind farm will be able to apply for financial support every year. 

Beyond financial support, Ignitis Renewables actively engages in community life. In 2024, the company supported five events in the Vaiguva and Kražiai elderships, including local celebrations, educational activities related to renewable energy and cultural performances. The events were held by the communities of Vaiguva, Pakėvis, Butkiškė and at the Kražiai Festival. 

With Kelmė wind farm now operational, the region will feel a positive long-term economic impact. Locals and people living nearby can become the technicians and specialists who maintain the wind farm with local companies involved too, i.e., three-year contracts have been concluded with a contractor for cutting grass and maintaining roads. Green energy is delivering value not only to the national energy system, but also to local communities. 

Community gathering Good Neighbours took place in Kražiai, Kelmė district, for the second time. It was organised by Ignitis Renewables, a renewable energy company. Representatives of community organisations from all over Lithuania gathered at the event, including representatives of communities, schools, and non-governmental organisations from areas where wind farms are already operating or will soon be built. It was a great opportunity to share insight on what it is like to live near a wind farm, what financial opportunities are available, to share experiences and strengthen ties between the people who are connected through their neighbour.

“Besides taking place every year, I wish these gatherings would also become a place where people can casually chat, without formalities, about what really matters to them. Each community brings its own experience as some of them are living near our projects for many years, while other are only just beginning their journey together. However, all of them share the same needs to be heard, to participate to create meaningful change in their environment. For us, it is very important that we are not perceived just as energy project developers. We wish to be reliable, responsive and open partners. I believe that a lasting connection is built when we are talking about everyday challenges, ideas and expectations, not just kilowatts,” says Emilija Musteikytė, Communities Engagement Team Lead at Ignitis Renewables.

One location, different experiences

This year’s venue was not chosen by chance. Here Ignitis Renewables is completing the largest renewable energy project in Lithuania and the Baltic States – Kelmė wind farm. Next to the wind farm, to the town of Kražiai, community representatives came from various locations in Lithuania, including Mažeikiai, Kretinga, Jurbarkas, Kelmė, Plungė, Jonava, Pakruojis, Pasvalys, Klaipėda and other districts. Most of them represent communities that reside near wind farms, both operating and under development.

The programme of the gathering was dedicated to live conversations. After a brief opening, everyone came together for a general discussion on what it is like to live near renewables projects. People discussed about how the development of wind farms affects their daily lives, what expectations the communities have and what it means to be heard not just in the planning stage, but throughout the sustainable partnership.

The community representatives repeatedly said that the financial support programmes of Ignitis Renewables actually help transform their environment and create added value, both when it comes to renovating infrastructure and creating new initiatives. The Girkaliai community has been initiating projects for three years now and is very happy with the results: “Our first project was information displays which increased the interest of the people in our settlement. We also received financial support for our community centre. We renovated the roof and we installed insulation solutions and furbished premises. People are happy about it and say that the house is very beautiful, and that the settlement has changed. Each project is not just a change for us, it is an incentive to create more,” says Gražina Bakevičienė, Girkaliai Community Chair.

In some communities, trust in renewables is born through personal experience. Sigitas Stonys, a beekeeper from Vilkyškės eldership had an idea to test, by himself, whether wind turbines hurt bees. “I had around a hundred apiaries, and I brought nine of them to a wind turbine. In spring, many plants were blooming around it, and there were no other apiaries around. The beehives there grew much stronger than the rest. I hadn’t noticed any negative impact. On the contrary, the beehive grew and the honey yield increased,” shared the beekeeper.

The community representatives stress that such initiatives are not just about financial support, they are about creating sustainable connections with local people. Ignitis Renewables is an example of how a socially responsible business can both invest and create real connections with communities. Such partnerships improve daily lives with educations, new cultural initiatives, lit areas and theatres, etc. Such practices must be visible because they show examples of how businesses can enable communities to act and live better lives,” said Eglė Juozapavičienė, Chair of the Lithuanian Union of Local Community Organisations.

Representatives from the Kražiai community have also shared their experience. Although the nearby Kelmė wind farm only began operations this year and the community itself is just getting acquainted with wind energy, their engagement already shows how much can be achieved through local initiative. “We are just getting used to wind turbines, but we are very happy. This year, we applied for financial support for the first time and received EUR 42 thousand. We used the funds to install a theatre studio and now are preparing for a premier. We will create a play about our life, about our village,” said Kristina Bertašienė, Kražiai Community Chair.

Neighbourhoods that turn into partnerships

The participants in the gathering visited Kelmė wind farm. It is one of the most ambitious projects developed by Ignitis Renewables. Considering its scale, it carries significance for both Lithuania’s and the entire regions energy sector. The visit allowed people to see the development of the projects of such size up close and reminded us once more why such gatherings are so important. Questions need to be heard, and answers must be provided.

Good Neighbours is a place for conversations between the people living around the changing environment and the people who are implementing these changes. A gathering that took place last year for the first time showed that such meetings are necessary. They help dissipate doubts, encourage to act and sometimes just allow people to be heard.

“The most important thing is that people come here not just to listen, but also share without formalities about their daily lives. They talk about lights in the streets, about spaces for children, about how to live more comfortable lives, come together and celebrate. When you hear about the initiatives of others, you gain courage and ideas, and then the financial support becomes an opportunity as well as a catalyst for change. For us, it’s very important that the projects benefit both the energy sector and the dear people who live nearby,” says E. Musteikytė.

Projects that inspire others

“Kražiai were selected for the gathering not by accident because one of our largest projects, Kelmė wind farm, is located nearby. We wished for communities to have an opportunity to see how such projects look in reality, up close. We talk big numbers, but people actually have very direct questions and expectations about changes. That’s why for us, besides generating clean energy, it is important to be close to those who live in the neighbourhood of these projects,” says E. Musteikytė.

This year Kražiai welcomed new faces along with the return of communities that have already implemented specific projects. Pikeliai refurbished premises dedicated for pilgrims, installed lighting solutions. Vydmantai built a stage, an outdoor class and installed stadium fences. Such gatherings have become an important part of communication. They help build a more sustainable connections with communities and inspire to initiate more meaningful projects that change the lives of the locals.

The financial support awarded to communities located near wind farms of Ignitis Renewables that are operational or under development is significant.  In three years, the company has already granted EUR 900 thousand for community initiatives in Lithuania.

The beachside kite festival Vėjų vėjai, organized by the Klaipėda City Municipality, took place in Klaipėda. The event brought together families, communities, and holidaymakers to celebrate creativity, sustainability, and active leisure. In addition to the kite displays, visitors engaged in educational, creative, and exploratory activities. One of the highlights was a hands-on session about offshore wind, presented by the festival’s partner – international green energy company Ignitis Renewables. 

“Events like this are more than just celebration, they are meeting points where people come together to share experiences, knowledge and to socialise. It’s inspiring to see families, creators, communities and partners united by a shared desire to participate, understand, and connect,” said Vaiva Rutkauskaitė, Head of Educational Programmes at #EnergySmartSTART. 

As every year, this year’s festival program was tailored to a wide audience – from families with young children to kite enthusiasts. Visitors admired over 50 artistic kites, including one that stretched 44 meters long, and created hundreds of personal kites in dedicated workshops. A 52-square-meter collaborative kite-flag titled “Catching the Wind”, gifted by Ignitis Renewables, became a vibrant symbol of the day. 

A key focus of this year’s Vėjų vėjai festival was children’s education on offshore wind and renewable energy. The Ignitis Renewables team led interactive sessions where children learned how wind turbines work, their purpose, and how wind becomes a source of renewable energy. Through play-based learning, children built small turbine models, observed their operation, and completed various tasks, while educators helped them understand why it is important to produce energy sustainably. The activities were tailored to children of different ages and encouraged not only an interest in engineering and sustainability, but also simple curiosity—where does electricity come from and how can it be produced without polluting the environment? tvariai. Užsiėmimai buvo pritaikyti skirtingo amžiaus vaikams ir skatino ne tik domėjimąsi inžinerija ar tvarumu, bet ir paprastą smalsumą – iš kur atsiranda elektra ir kaip ją galima gaminti neteršiant aplinkos. 

These sessions are part of the #EnergySmartSTART educational programme by Ignitis Renewables, which aims to help children and youth better understand the evolving energy sector and the opportunities it offers. The programme focuses on Lithuania’s coastal region, with educational visits already held in several seaside schools, where both students and teachers are actively involved, and the festival provides an opportunity to share this knowledge with a wider audience. 

“Schools are eager to invite us to lessons, career days, and events. Teachers also want to bring students to our offices for a change of environment. We welcome them when possible. During our sessions, students learn about wind turbine principles, construction processes, and the benefits they bring. They also participate in hands-on activities, building small turbine models and exploring how electricity is generated at sea,” said V. Rutkauskaitė. 

The offshore wind education initiative primarily targets schools in Lithuania’s coastal region, which receive the most attention. Visits have already been made to Klaipėda Gedminai, Taurakalnis, Pranas Mašiotas progymnasiums, and Klaipėda Litorina School. As a partner of Vilnius Gediminas Technical University Engineering Lyceum, Ignitis Group also involves students from this institution. 

The sessions are led by Ignitis Group employees who volunteer their time, often outside of work hours. This approach makes complex technologies accessible and engaging, turning learning into a meaningful and enjoyable experience. The educational initiative also raises public awareness about the Curonian Nord offshore wind farm project, which will contribute to Lithuania’s energy independence and foster stronger dialogue with local communities. 

Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company, has taken a major step toward sustainable energy production in Latvia by delivering its first green electricity to the country’s national grid. This milestone marks a strategic shift toward local, sustainable energy generation in Latvia and the region. The electricity was produced by the 94-megawatt (MW) Vārme solar farm under construction by Ignitis Renewables. 

“Delivering the first locally generated green electricity to the grid is a strategically significant milestone for Ignitis Renewables in the Latvian market. The company has ambitious plans for renewable energy development in Latvia – with solar farms currently under construction in Kuldīga, Tukums, and Bauska municipalities as well as possible wind energy projects in the near future. With this milestone and other renewable energy projects underway, Ignitis Renewables is paving the way for a sustainable and resilient energy future in Baltic States,” says Baiba Lāce, Head of Ignitis Renewables in Latvia. 

The first green electricity was produced and transmitted into the grid from the Vārme solar farm in Kuldīga municipality. Covering 110 hectares, the solar farm is equipped with over 156,000 solar panels and a total installed capacity of 94 MW. 

Beyond Vārme, Ignitis Renewables has two other significant solar projects under construction in Latvia. The 145 MW Stelpe solar farm, spanning two sites in the Stelpe and Bārbale parishes of Bauska municipality, is progressing steadily. Additionally, the 174 MW Tume solar farm in Tume parish, Tukums municipality, is on track to become one of the most ambitious solar projects in the Baltics. 

Upon completion, the Vārme and Stelpe solar farms combined will be capable of supplying green energy to as many as 96,000 households, thanks to more than 389,000 solar panels. The Tume solar farm, scheduled for commercial operation in 2026, will feature over 282,000 solar panels across 302 hectares, making it one of the largest of its kind in the Baltics and providing clean energy to over 85,000 households each year.

Sustainable development and community support 

Ignitis Renewables is committed to sustainable development by fostering collaboration with municipalities and local communities near its renewable energy projects. Ignitis Renewables implements environmental protection programs and provides financial support to community initiatives aimed at improving regional quality of life. 

In 2024, the company provided financial support in Latvia for the first time, funding eight local initiatives with nearly EUR 270,000. These efforts reinforce local partnerships, increase public engagement, and promote sustainable regional growth. 

15 June marks the first Palanga Wind Festival, an unconventional summer festival inviting citizens and guests of the resort to feel the wind in a different way. The one-day programme will combine wind sports, music and entertainment: from kitesurfing, sailing lessons and a regatta to an extreme jump off the bridge and an evening festival concert with DJ Jovani. The event is organised by Palangos Investicijų Valdymas in cooperation with Pilietinė Medija. The festival focuses on wind as a natural phenomenon, a sport resource and a symbol of clean energy. An international green energy company Ignitis Renewables will invite the participants to catch the wind.

“We wanted the festival to be more than just a stage, a programme and the audience. Our goal is to create a feeling that the entire city is living the festival with activities in J. Basanavičiaus Street, in the water and in the air. We want people not just attend the event but explore. They can walk freely around Palanga in summer without pressure, as it should be,” says Edmundas Jakilaitis, one of the festival’s founders and Head of Pilietinė Medija.

A stage above the bridge

The festival will take place in the entire city centre of Palanga with action at the sea, in the air and in the city. A kitesurfing zone will be located near the Palanga bridge. It will include professional shows and trainings with intructors for anyone curious about the sport. The beach will have introductory wind sports lessons: beginners will have an opportunity to try standing on a surfboard, and children will be able to sail the tiny sailboats called Optimist. There will be a regatta in the sea and a water trampoline park for the whole family to enjoy. Paragliders will be flying in the air and rollerbladers will be on the ground entertaining the spectators.

One of the highlights of the festival is the jump from the Palanga Bridge by a world-class kiteboarder Nick Jacobsen. Never seen in Palanga, this jump will not only be a spectacular highlight, but also an unofficial symbol of the festival. In the evening the celebration will move to a special stage installed above the sea, where DJ Jovani and other famous performers will perform. One of the most popular DJs in Lithuania will turn up the mood with lights, music and summer vibes.

An opportunity to experience the wind

In addition to entertainment and performances, an educational space about renewable energy will be available in Palanga. J. Basanavičiaus Street will host an educational zone, where the green energy company Ignitis Renewables will invite you to learn about the wind through standard experiences, which is play, move, test. Interactive activities will remain after the wind festival as the mobile educational platform #EnergySmartSTART will be open in Palanga until 13 July. It is one of Ignitis Renewables’ mobile initiatives that helps people experience the energy sector from up close. The educational platform is open to everyone, both those who know more about it and those who stop on their way to the beach.

Visitors will be invited to pedal an electricity-generating bicycle, try on virtual reality goggles that place you on top of a wind turbine and meet the people who work on energy solutions every day. The education platform is suited for all age groups, from children to adults. Here, energy will feel close, interesting and understandable to everyone.

“The wind in Lithuania has always been close to us – by the seaside, in childhood memories, in everyday life. Now we are beginning to see it differently, not just as a natural phenomenon, but as one of the most important sources of clean energy that can enhance our future. As a renewable energy company, it is important for us not only to develop new projects, but also to change attitudes, to show that the wind can be close, interesting and alive. This festival is an invitation to feel the wind in a different way than we usually do. Because through interesting experiences often comes a clearer understanding, and that’s where the real change starts, so let’s catch the wind,” invites Paulius Kalmantas, Communication Partner at Ignitis Renewables.

Palanga updates its look

In the last couple of years, Palanga has been changing with changes visible both in city infrastructure and in the air. The city’s spaces have become brighter, more open and cosier. The Wind Festival is one of the first events to reflect this in a new light and with a different mood. It is not just a festival, it is also an opportunity to see Palanga as it is today: modern, open and exploring.

The recently renovated lighting on J. Basanavičiaus Street and the bridge also contributes to the new look of the city. The light poles are not only adapted to natural conditions, but also are more environmentally friendly. They reduce visual pollution, and most of their parts are made from recycled aluminium. The Palanga Wind Festival will be a symbolic presentation of the new look, the beginning of a sustainable, bright and modern city.

“In recent years, Palanga has changed a lot, both physically and in terms of its mood. It is very important to us that this city grows not only as a resort, but also as a community. We are delighted to unveil the new lighting of J. Basanavičiaus Street and the bridge together with the Wind Festival. It makes a beautiful opening to the city’s summer. This festival is a very apt reflection of what Palanga is now – free, open and fresh,” says Šarūnas Vaitkus, Mayor of Palanga.

More about festival you can find here.

Swedbank Lithuania and Swedbank Latvia provided a joint loan of EUR 77.5 million to an international green energy company Ignitis Renewables to finance the development of solar farms in Latvia. The financing will be used to complete the Stelpe and Vārme solar farms currently under development, whose total installed capacity will reach 239 megawatts (MW) and commercial operation date is estimated for this year. The banks granted funds in equal amounts. 

“We are at the forefront of the green transition in the region and strive to have a future where electricity is generated from renewable energy sources only. The Stelpe and Vārme solar farms will become significant milestones in the implementation of our green generation capacity development strategy. After the start of commercial operations, the solar farms will significantly increase the local generation of green energy in the region. We are grateful to Swedbank for supporting the implementation our renewable energy projects, which makes a significant contribution their success,” notes Jonas Rimavičius, CFO at Ignitis Group. 

“The agreement with Ignitis Group transcends boarders and marks yet another milestone of our successful cooperation as well as Swedbank’s commitment to finance the green transition. Financing green energy projects in the region is one of our priorities in our aim to strengthen the energy sector’s resilience and reduce emissions in our region. This agreement boosts our rapidly growing Green Loan Portfolio of EUR 1.45 billion, which includes 800 MW of installed renewables capacity in total,” says Ignas Mačeika, Head of Corporate Customer Division and Member of the Board at Swedbank Lithuania. 

Ignitis Renewables is currently developing a 94 MW Vārme solar farm in Kuldīga municipality and a 145 MW Stelpe solar farm in Bauska municipality, Bārbele parish, which comprises two separate stages. The total installed capacity of the solar farms will reach up to 239 MW. It is enough to power around 96 thousand households in Latvia. 

The investments in the projects, including the construction and project acquisition costs, are estimated to reach around EUR 178 million. 

Ignitis Group has financing agreements with Swedbank for Vilnius Combined Heat and Power Plant, a wind farm in Jurbarkas and other projects. 

On the summer solstice day, 21 June, the Savos Bangos: Sustainable Future Creators’ Laboratory will gather city residents and visitors at the Danė public square in Klaipėda. This is an ambitious sustainability festival that has grown from the traditional Sustainable Future Creators’ Laboratory held in the seaport city since 2021. This unique project, which aims not only to educate but also to actively involve society in the creation of a sustainable future, is jointly organised by the Lithuanian Sea Museum and the international green energy company Ignitis Renewables.

What sets this new festival apart is that it will not focus on abstract reflections about global warming or overconsumption. Instead, visitors will be invited to directly explore innovative, already existing solutions that help reduce consumption, to reuse and recycle, and to discover the benefits of green energy in everyday life.

“The Sustainable Future Creators’ Laboratory, which has become a great seaside tradition, gains an additional name this year – Savos Bangos – and a new force, as it is joined by the Ignitis Renewables company. Using the best nationwide experiences, we will search in our open-air laboratory – and I am sure we will find – answers on how to be energy smart and sustainable. We will learn from those who are able to create new things without harming nature, and to use the inexhaustible energy provided by nature, such as sea wind, to innovate,” says Olga Žalienė, Director of the Lithuanian Sea Museum.

The Savos Bangos programme is impressive – from educational and interactive showcases to artistic content. The festival will open with the Klaipėda Puppet Theatre’s mystery About Fish and Men – a provocative discussion about plastic pollution in the oceans. Since its premiere in 2022 this performance, which will be the highlight of the Savos Bangos opening, has become a true theatre hit.

Throughout the day, the traditional and popular Sustainable Future Creators’ Laboratory will be open – a dedicated space where leading Lithuanian scientific institutions, green energy companies and environmental organisations will present their innovations, discoveries and proposals. Visitors to this area will have the opportunity to explore innovations developed by the State Scientific Research Institute Nature Research Centre, Klaipėda Regional Waste Management Centre, Klaipėdos vanduo, Klaipėda University STEAM Centre, Curonian Spit National Park Directorate, Lithuanian Energy Institute, Lithuanian Sea Museum and others.

Throughout the day, there will also be an educational fair featuring companies, organisations and institutions concerned with the preservation of the Baltic Sea ecosystem, interactive learning activities with scientific institutions, and creative workshops for artists and the community. The creation of a special art object will be coordinated by professional artists affiliated with the Telšiai Faculty of the Vilnius Academy of Arts; however all event participants will become co-authors. This sustainable art piece will be a symbolic souvenir reminding that building the future starts with simple actions.

Festival guests will also be able to participate in the Eco Quiz, where they will answer various interesting questions about ecology, sustainability and green technologies. Participants will join the quiz using QR codes and mobile phones, and special sustainable prizes await the winners.

A discussion titled What is True Sustainability will offer an opportunity to gain insights, where professionals from diverse fields – from fashion and art to ecology and tech business – will tackle common sustainability myths and discuss real possibilities for living well, beautifully and sustainably. The discussion will focus on practical solutions and real challenges.

Later in the afternoon, guests will be treated to an unexpected and hilarious part of the programme – a specially created performance by the K2 Comedy Club, where well-known Lithuanian comedians will humorously reflect on the importance of the Baltic Sea for Lithuanians, ecology and our habits.

Finally, after the awards ceremony, the festival will culminate with a special musical performance – the cello group Voiceless will perform an arrangement of M. K. Čiurlionis’s piece The Sea, created especially for this event. This performance will symbolically unite the Year of M. K. Čiurlionis, the sea topic and a modern approach to classics.

Savos Bangos is not just a one-day celebration, but a long-term initiative encouraging citizens, organisations and companies to contribute to a sustainable future through their everyday choices and actions. The festival is open to everyone – those interested in ecology, and those simply looking for meaningful and engaging weekend activities.

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.