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05 February 2025

Europe is turning towards the sea – the capacity of future offshore wind energy projects is twice as large as onshore 

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...

31 January 2025

Ignitis Renewables’ CEO steps down 

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. 

30 January 2025

In the neighbourhood of wind farms: over half a million euros for communities from Ignitis Renewables

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. 

05 December 2024

Ignitis Renewables to install Lithuania’s most innovative bird protection technology 

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

26 November 2024

Confirmed – sunken ship discovered while exploring seabed for offshore wind farm 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21 November 2024

Ignitis Renewables presented opportunities related to the offshore wind farm to Lithuanian shipowners 

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

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

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

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

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

Stressing the importance of cooperation  

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

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

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

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

Five active years ahead 

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

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

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

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

19 November 2024

Ignitis Renewables is strengthening the bond with Lithuanian communities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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14 November 2024

The future of ecology in the Baltic Sea: it is not too late to change the situation

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

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

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

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

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

All measures have already been found

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

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

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

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

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

Wind turbines instead of tankers

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

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

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

Potential benefit for ecosystems

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

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

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

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

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

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

09 October 2024

Energy sector and ecosystems: offshore wind farms create new habitats for marine wildlife

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

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

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

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

Extensive research experience

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Responsible planning is important

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

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

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

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

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

27 September 2024

Ignitis Renewables is building the largest Baltic solar projects in Latvia 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

05 September 2024

Land or sea: where does the wind blow strongest to propel the energy sector forward?

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

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

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

Potential efficiency is significantly higher

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

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

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

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

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

Residents see the advantages too

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

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

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

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

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

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

03 September 2024

Ignitis Renewables will develop a 174 MW solar farm in Latvia

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

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

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

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

Expanding portfolio of solar projects

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

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

Emphasis on support for local communities and environmental protection

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

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

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

20 August 2024

Study: majority of Lithuanian citizens support wind farms in the Baltic Sea

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

01 August 2024

Big tourism potential in the Baltic Sea: offshore wind farms attract lots of sightseers

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

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

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

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

Opportunities for local communities

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

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

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

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

Offshore wind farms are becoming tourist attractions

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

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

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

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

24 July 2024

4 out of 5 residents believe that renewable energy strengthens Lithuania’s national energy independence

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

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

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

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

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

Solar and wind energy is favoured by the most

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

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

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

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

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

17 July 2024

Unleashing the wind: the Baltic Sea emerges as a pivotal player in Europe’s new energy system landscape

In the drive towards energy independence, the potential of offshore wind in electricity generation has lately been increasingly and actively discussed. Across Europe, countries are unveiling ambitious plans for new offshore wind energy projects, with the Baltic Sea occupying a particularly significant place on the map of pending transformation. In this regard, Lithuania is taking its first steps, where Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company, is developing the region’s first offshore wind farm project, Curonian Nord.

The momentum towards offshore wind is reinforced by the European Wind Energy Charter, signed by energy ministers from EU member states and over 300 energy companies last year. This agreement underscores the urgent need to bolster onshore and offshore wind industries to meet Europe’s green objectives and achieve energy independence.

The Baltic Sea’s strategic importance in this energy revolution cannot be overstated, with its enormous wind energy potential being increasingly tapped in recent years, although there is still a long way to go before it is truly unlocked.

Ambitious national plans

The importance of the Baltic Sea in the wind energy sector cannot be overstated. Home to the world’s first offshore wind farm near Denmark’s Lolland Island, established in 1991, the region continues to lead in wind energy production.

Denmark dominates electricity production in the Baltic Sea, with half of the twenty wind farms currently operating in its waters. However, other countries surrounding the Baltic Sea are increasingly following the model.

The Baltic Sea’s relatively shallow waters and abundant winds are ideal for wind farm installations. Scientists and experts in the energy sector estimate the Baltic Sea’s wind energy potential is 93 gigawatts (GW), far surpassing current installations totalling just over 3 GW. With ambitious national plans underway, this figure will rapidly increase in the coming years.

“In a landmark declaration last year, eight states bordering the Baltic Sea committed to achieving a collective capacity of 19.6 GW from offshore wind farms by 2030. This ambitious goal aligns closely with the European Commission’s Green Deal, which aims to increase the EU’s offshore wind capacity to 60 GW by the same year, replacing the current 32 GW. Remarkably, the Baltic Sea alone is set to meet one-third of the Community’s targeted capacity. Only the North Sea, which is significantly larger and windier, has greater potential,” stated the Head of Offshore Development at Ignitis Renewables Vytautas Rimas.

Currently, offshore wind farms in the Baltic Sea are exclusively operated by Denmark, Sweden, Germany and Finland, with Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia poised to join this exclusive group soon. Furthermore, new projects are planned in the countries that have already harnessed the Baltic Sea wind.

“One could say that a true wind energy breakthrough is beginning in the Baltic Sea, with some countries setting particularly ambitious targets. For instance Poland, which currently lacks offshore wind farms, plans to install 28 GW of capacity in its territorial waters by 2050. This would surpass even Denmark to become the leading electricity producer in the Baltic Sea,” said V. Rimas.

According to V. Rimas, this surge in ambition comes amid a heightened focus on energy security and sustainability, catalysed by geopolitical shifts and energy price volatility following Russia’s conflict with Ukraine. As emphasised by experts, investments in offshore wind not only enhance energy security, but also accelerate the transition to climate-neutral energy sources. “The inexhaustible nature of offshore wind power promises to reduce reliance on Russian fossil fuels significantly, aligning with broader environmental and national security imperatives. Moreover, electricity generation from wind is climate-neutral. Therefore, the development of offshore wind energy solves two European problems at once,” said the expert at Ignitis Renewables.

Small coastline – big potential

With the smallest coastline among Baltic Sea nations, Lithuania may not match the scale of its neighbours’ ambitions in offshore wind energy. Nonetheless, the country is poised to revolutionise its energy sector with significant strides in marine wind power.

According to the Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan (BEMIP), Lithuania holds a promising offshore wind potential of 4.5 GW. By the early 2030s, Lithuania will have developed its inaugural offshore wind farm, Curonian Nord, boasting a capacity of approximately 700 megawatts (MW). This venture is projected to generate 3 terawatt-hours (TWh) of clean electricity annually, meeting a quarter of Lithuania’s current electricity demand.

“While Lithuania’s Baltic Sea footprint may be modest, harnessing its wind resources could potentially exceed our domestic electricity needs. This surplus not only positions Lithuania favourably in the electricity export market, but also paves the way for investments in cutting-edge renewable technologies like green hydrogen production,” stated V. Rimas.

Beyond energy impact, offshore wind projects promise substantial benefits to the country’s economy. The initial phase of the Curonian Nord project alone is expected to attract billion-dollar investments, create high-skilled jobs and invigorate both the coastal economy and Lithuania’s infrastructure sectors, including transport and construction as well as the development of the Klaipėda port.

“Not to mention that once the offshore wind farm is operational, the project developer will provide direct support to local communities. Ongoing support from project developers will directly enhance local communities, funding transformative improvements along the coastline. This means that coastal residents will receive funds to finance significant changes for them,” emphasised the Head of Offshore Development at Ignitis Renewables.

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

12 July 2024

Ignitis Renewables has completed its first hybrid solar and wind project 

An international green energy company, Ignitis Renewables, has completed the construction of a solar power plant in Tauragė district, near an operating wind farm, thus making it the company’s first hybrid wind and solar project, which enables a more effective utilisation of the land and infrastructure managed by the company. 

“Our wind farm has been successfully operating in Tauragė district for over 10 years, and now we have installed a solar power plant nearby. This makes it a hybrid project, where several types of renewable power plants are connected to a single connection in the transmission network,” said Giedrius Meškelė, Head of Renewable Energy, Lithuania at Ignitis Renewables. 

According to him, hybrid wind and solar farms enable a more effective utilisation of the available electricity network capacities and other internal infrastructure, which makes them more cost-efficient in terms of construction and maintenance costs. 

The 22 megawatt (MW) solar power plant is built in a 32-ha territory. It will power around 13,000 households alone. Together with the 25 MW wind farm, they will power around 40,000 households in Lithuania. The total investments in the solar park will reach approximately EUR 14 million. 

The implementation of environmental measures will start soon 

Focus on environmental issues has been at the forefront throughout the project’s development. Its construction was followed by unique research to find out the impact the solar power plant’s installation has on nature and biodiversity. Specialists are evaluating the changes in flora and fauna with environmental initiatives planned after the constructions are completed. 

According to Lina Žibienė, Head of Environment and Permitting at Ignitis Renewables, besides the mandatory initiatives and impact mitigation measures, the company is carrying out additional measures, thus fostering good practices. 

“We are involving additional experts in the development of the project, who are helping us implement certain measures. For example, one of the mandatory measures is wildlife gates for larger animals, so they could leave the territory after entering it. The fence surrounding the territory is raised from the ground so smaller animals that entered the territory could also migrate through it,” commented the environmental expert. 

According to L. Žlibienė, the company’s specialists will monitor the restoration of grass after the construction processes and will strictly limit the spread of invasive species. “We have specially selected grass seeds, which we will plant at a predetermined time in selected locations. We will leave some of the territory to restore itself naturally, so the trees growing in nearby territories could bring the seeds over, thus preserving natural environment,” commented the representative.

Ignitis Renewables endeavours to make all its projects sustainable and friendly to the environment. By developing renewable projects, the company is contributing to the energy independence, reducing the climate change and improving the local environment. 

02 July 2024

Ignitis Renewables is starting an education programme for children: a hands-on introduction to offshore wind farms

Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company, is developing the first offshore wind farm in the Baltic states by the name of Curonian Nord. This project will contribute to the strengthening of Lithuania’s energy independence, promote the economy of the coastal region and the entire country and support local communities. Since Ignitis Renewables is committed to educate the public about renewable energy and its benefits, it has started a special education programme designed to introduce children to offshore wind farms through games and hands-on experiences.

Children of a Palanga kindergarten, Ąžuoliukas, were the first to try this programme. They had the opportunity to visit the beach, where they learned about the principles, construction processes and benefits of offshore wind farms. The educational programme included hands-on activities, where children built small wind turbine models, observed how they work and learned about the electricity generation using offshore wind.

This education initiative will continue to travel the Lithuania’s coastal region with the aim of inspiring the younger generation to take an interest in engineering, technology and renewable energy and, in particular, offshore electricity generation. It will also make the communities more informed, spread the information about offshore wind and the Curonian Nord project.

Education is one of the main goals of the company and a way to strengthen the cooperation with local communities. Ignitis Renewables supports the #EnergySmartSTART programme, which is designed for children, students and anyone who is interested in energy. Energy companies that support the programme are implementing various initiatives, organise excursions, meetings with professionals, set up dedicated scholarships and promote career opportunities in the energy sector.

The company aims to start cooperating with communities located near the offshore wind farm already, even though the project is still in the planning phase. This opens up opportunities to find the best solutions during the construction and operational phases of the project that empower the communities, improve their quality of life and have a positive impact on the environment surrounding the wind farm.

The Curonian Nord offshore wind farm, with a capacity of up to 700 megawatts (MW), will generate around 3 terawatt-hours (TWh) of green electricity per year, which would cover around a quarter of Lithuania’s current electricity demand. The wind farm will cover an area of about 120 square kilometres in the Baltic Sea and will be positioned least 37 km away from the shore and about 50 km from the Port of Klaipėda. The offshore wind farm is expected to become operational around 2030.

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

27 June 2024

Over a million to Lithuanian communities in financial support

An international green energy company, Ignitis Renewables, is continuing the cooperation with local communities located near the wind farms and solar parks managed or developed by the company. In three years, the company has allocated more than EUR 1 million for Lithuanian communities in financial support. The funds are allocated to communities developing important project in areas of economy and mental wellbeing, cultural diversity and identity as well as environmental protection.

“Our renewable energy projects create conditions for sufficient green energy supply and contribute to national energy independence. These projects cannot be implemented without the cooperation with local communities, they must built on trust and good will. Financial support for projects important to local communities allows us to strengthen local communities, create additional value to Lithuania, contributes to the environmental protection of the land we operate in, promoting cultural diversity and identity,” believes Thierry Aelens, CEO of Ignitis Renewables.

Financial support surpassed a million

According to Emilija Musteikytė, Community Projects Coordinator at Ignitis Renewables, communities are becoming more and more involved in utilising the financial support and in three years the amount of funds allocated to Lithuanian communities has already exceeded EUR 1 million.

In 2022 Ignitis Renewables invited communities to submit applications to receive financial support for the first time. It was provided to 9 organisations with over EUR 80,000 allocated. Last year it received 10 applications and all of them received financial support. The total allocated amount was three times higher and reached EUR 247,000. This year the amount dedicated to Lithuanian communities is once again growing several times and will reach EUR 757,000.

“We want these funds to bring maximum value to the communities and Lithuania, which is why this year we invited communities to the Good Neighbours gathering. The goal of the event was to gather the representatives of communities, encourage them to share their experience, listen to their expectations, tell them about the projects we develop, their impact on the environment and our efforts to reduce it,” says E. Musteikytė.

This year several communities are eligible to apply for financial support, including the communities in Kelmė, Kretinga, Mažeikiai, Jurbarkas and Tauragė with wind farms and solar parks managed or developed by Ignitis Renewables nearby.

The goal is to strengthen local communities

Community organisations may apply with four kinds of projects: economy and mental wellbeing-related, cultural diversity and identity-related as well as environmental protection-related.

An economic wellbeing project may include the funding of infrastructure, upskilling, entrepreneurship and tourism promotion projects, including various training activities. A project of the community of Pikeliai is one of the projects that have already received funding. It was for adapting the infrastructure in Mažeikiai district to the needs of pilgrims. Additionally, Lauksargiai community carried out an education programme called the Wind is Coloured Green.

A good example of a project promoting cultural diversity and identity could be the purchase of national Lithuania Minor costumes by the residents of Lauksargiai. Projects involving the creation or adaptation of infrastructure, art installations or other cultural events, the development and installation of sites, routes and memorials may also receive funding.

Environmental projects may include the purchase of equipment for land management, funding the protected species conservation activities, habitat maintenance, activities of specialised clubs or organisations, etc.

The funds may also be provided to the projects that promote mental wellbeing, including projects to help families with children with special educational needs, healthy eating and movement, mental resilience trainings, etc.

Two months to submit applications

“We understand that some community organisations do not have knowledge or experience of drafting a project, so we are trying to help them, show the opportunities, we can also finance the costs of drafting a project,” says E. Musteikytė.

The communities that are eligible to receive financial support may apply from 1 July to 25 August.

Financial support will also be provided to Polish and Latvian communities

This year, for the first time, the financial support will be provided to the communities located near the solar parks of Ignitis Renewables in Latvia (EUR 200,000) and to provide scholarships to students who choose energy studies (EUR 40,000).

This is the second year that the company is providing financial support to communities near projects in Poland. In 2023, the financial support (over EUR 100,000) was provided to communities for wind energy education, first aid training, outdoor workshops, health hikes and the installation of solar power plants. This year, financial support in the amount of EUR 200,000 will be allocated to communities located near Silesia wind farm in Poland.

17 June 2024

First Ignitis Renewables community gathering took place on Global Wind Day

In celebration of the Global Wind Day, an international green energy company, Ignitis Renewables, brought together local communities living near wind farms for the first gathering called Good Neighbours. The Global Wind Day is celebrated on 15 June, when the focus is being directed towards wind energy and its significance in the transition to clean energy.

The gathering that took place in Mažeikiai district in Lithuania and was attended by representatives from many communities, schools, and other organisations, from Mažeikiai, Kretinga, Tauragė, Jurbarkas, Kelmė, Plungė, Jonava, Pakruojis, Pasvalys and Klaipėda districts. They all live near wind farms of Ignitis Renewables that are operational, under construction or development.

“The Good Neighbours gathering is an opportunity to chat and maintain relationships with the communities that live in the areas where Ignitis Renewables is developing its renewables projects. We are going to be long-term partners so it’s important for us to make the people understand the importance of renewable energy but also for us to understand their needs, contribute to the wellbeing of their lands, help implement the necessary changes and create a community of communities,” said Emilija Musteikytė, Community Projects Coordinator at Ignitis Renewables.

According to her, the idea to organise a gathering came because we wanted to provide opportunity for people from the various corners of Lithuania to share their experience. “There’s a common trait between all the amazing communities that attended – they are living near our projects. However, some have been living like this for years now, and some are still looking forward to the construction of wind farms. That’s why we wanted to allow people to hear about their neighbour, Ignitis Renewables, not from our lips, but from their peers,” states E. Musteikytė.

“Additionally, we wished for communities to be inspired by each other’s ideas on how the financial aid provided by Ignitis Renewables could be utilised in improving the wellbeing and the environment of the cities, towns, villages and their residents. This way we can ensure that the wind farms we are building are benefiting the Lithuanian energy sector as well as the people living closest to them,” says the representative of Ignitis Renewables.

The participants visited the Mažeikiai wind farm, measured wind speed, had the opportunity to get inside a wind turbine, learned about how they operate, along with the procedures for implementing such projects as well as having the opportunity to participate in discussions about renewable energy. At the gathering, Ignitis Renewables presented many ways the communities could utilise the financial support; the value created for Lithuania; the inspiring examples, and the community representatives shared good practices from projects that are already completed.

For example, the financial support allocated to Pikeliai, Mažeikiai district, was used to upgrade and adapting the community centre to the needs of pilgrims, and this year they are planning to install smart solar-powered lighting solutions. The Vydmantai community already has such lighting solutions installed. It received the financial support from Ignitis Renewables in 2022. This year Vydmantai are using the funds to build an outdoor class dome and a stage for community and student events. Previously, they had upgraded their school stadium barriers. A public institution, ‘Žaliasis regionas’ (the Green Region), located in Tauragė district, is organising educational activities about wind energy.

The event was attended by the Tauragė community, whose members shared their experiences about their tours to wind farms, how these operated and ran an education package called Wind is Coloured Green, for the second year in a row. “When the work on the wind farms started, there were many fears, including the impact on cow milk yield, damage to birds, but now we can tell anyone who comes on tours that everything is fine. This programme is funded by Ignitis Renewables and with their help we can introduce other Lithuanian residents to wind energy, helping them to address and dispel their concernss,” said a Tauragė resident, educator Irina Sadauskienė.

The Chair of Vydmantai Community, Simas Končius, also shared the stories about his community on how they manage to live in the vicinity of wind turbines. “It’s nearly 18 years since the wind turbines became our neighbours. Vydmantai are surrounded from all sides by them. I will not hide that the community experienced a lot, including fear, anger, disputes on land, but we pulled through. We were surprised that Ignitis Renewables contacted us on their own volition and offered financial support to the community. They provided a draft financial support project and we started to writing projects on the things what our community needed the most,” said S. Končius.

“We already had meetings with Vydmantai community and shared our experiences on financial support. We accepted the invitation to submit requests for financial support and now we have premises adapted to the needs of pilgrims, which we also use for communal needs (events, gatherings). The road of Jacob (Camino Lituano) is passing our town and now we can accept pilgrims here,” shared her experience Jadvyga Gedutienė, a resident of Pikeliai, a town in the vicinity of Ignitis Renewables’ wind farm.

Ignitis Renewables expect to make this event into an annual tradition and this year the company planning to allocate record funds to provide financial support to communities, which means that I the future community representatives will be able to talk about even more impressive successfully completed projects.

13 June 2024

A stage finish of Ignitis ON EV race – in Kražiai

The tenth iteration of the EV race Ignitis ON: Get to know Lithuania! this year turned up in Kražiai. People had the opportunity to watch a stage finish, talk with participants and inspect the cars. The event featured a unique educational platform of an international green energy company, Ignitis Renewables, where visitors could take a virtual tour inside a wind turbine.

More than 50 different EVs flooded the courtyard of M.K. Sarbievijus Cultural Centre in Kražiai. A stage finish of the EV race Ignitis ON: Get to know Lithuania! was planned in Kražiai. For the first time, a hydrogen-powered vehicle took part in the race, and drivers were able to compete in a driving efficiency class.

Each year, when planning the race route, the organisers choose the most interesting places in Lithuania to visit. Kražiai, which is in Kelmė district, is not an exception. Founded more than 700 years ago, it is one of the oldest cities in Lithuania with rich history. Additionally, Kelmė district is on the precipice of becoming a green energy hub. Here, Ignitis Renewables is currently constructing the largest wind farm in the Baltics.

“We are implementing one of the most important projects for national energy independence in Kelmė district. Its success depends on our efforts as well as on the good will of the people living nearby. That’s why we find it very important to build connections with local communities, strengthen them, help take care of the land and be a good neighbour to each other,” said Emilija Musteikytė, Community Projects Coordinator at Ignitis Renewables, after visiting the event.

A unique educational platform of Ignitis Renewables was brought to the event. It is designed to educate the public on the topic of renewable energy. The attendees learned about the onshore and offshore wind as well as solar power generation. A virtual tour inside a wind turbine received a very notable interest.

In total 44 wind turbines will be installed at the wind farm in Kelmė district. The total potential capacity of the wind farm is 300 megawatts (MW), and it will generate enough electricity to power 250 thousand households in Lithuania, an area similar in size to Kaunas county. All wind turbines will be erected this year, and the wind farm’s COD is expected in 2025.

10 June 2024

The first offshore wind farm in the Baltics will be called Curonian Nord

Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company, is developing the first offshore wind farm in the Baltics, which will be called Curonian Nord. This project is particularly important to the Lithuanian energy sector and is named in the honour of Curonians, a tribe that used to live on the shores of the Baltic Sea. The name is also associated with one of the most beautiful and unique locations in Lithuania and the region, the Curonian Spit.

“The development of offshore wind technologies is strategically important in the global pursuit of energy transition. In Lithuania these technologies have a huge potential. The Curonian Nord project will significantly contribute to the green future of the Lithuanian energy sector. It will also contribute to our purpose to create a 100% green and secure energy ecosystem for current and future generations,” said Darius Maikštėnas, CEO of Ignitis Group.

According to him, a successful implementation of the offshore project off the coast of Lithuania is fundamental to the country’s energy independence. Thanks to this project, a significant increase in local renewable electricity generation will eliminate the dependence on electricity imports, promote the region’s transition to a sustainable green energy hub and contribute to the plans to turn the Baltic states into energy exporters to Central and Western Europe.

The project will boost the economy of the coastal region and the entire country and support the local communities

According to Anne-Marie Roikjær, Project Director, as pioneers in the Baltic states, we will create an offshore wind competence hub in the region. “The significant investments related to the project and new high-skilled jobs will promote the economy of the coastal region and the entire country,” says A. Roikjær.

According to her, Lithuania will probably see an influx of new companies which will supply goods and provide services for the project, which in turn will create even more jobs and open more possibilities for the businesses. The coastal region has everything you need to establish a renewable energy research hub, attract partners from universities and R&D institutes.

By attracting private investors to Lithuania, creating new jobs and concluding transactions with local companies, the offshore wind project will directly benefit the coastal communities. Ignitis Renewables will also support their activities directly.

“During the construction of the project, we will look for ways to improve the quality of life of the communities, and after the offshore wind farm becomes operational, we will pay a generation fee. The aggregated funds will be allocated to improve the quality of life of the Lithuanian coastal communities and promote the economy. We will employ these measures to have a positive impact on the environment surrounding the wind farm now and in the future,” says the Project Director.

Focus on the protection of the Baltic Sea’s ecosystem

By developing the first offshore wind farm in the Baltics, Ignitis Renewables is expanding the green energy sector while protecting the environment. By carrying out a thorough environmental impact assessment (EIA), the company is ensuring that the project will contribute to the implementation of Lithuania’s energy goals and the protection of the Baltic Sea’s ecosystem.

“Green energy is closely related to nature and its preservation. The protection of the Baltic Sea’s ecosystem is one of the most important goals set out in our sustainability strategy. We will adhere to the best international practices to strike a balance between environmental protection and clean electricity generation. We will consult with highly qualified experts from Lithuania and other countries during all stages of the project’s development,” states A. Roikjær.

She notes that the offshore wind farm and its infrastructure will be designed and developed in accordance with the requirements of all relevant environmental legal acts.

About Curonian Nord

It is estimated that the 700 megawatt (MW) Curonian Nord wind farm, located in the Baltic Sea, will generate around 3 terawatt-hours (TWh) of green electricity per year, which would cover around a quarter of Lithuania’s current electricity demand.

The maritime area designated for the offshore wind farm is approximately 120 square kilometres. It is at least 37 km away from the shore and approximately 50 km away from the Port of Klaipėda. There will be up to 55 wind turbines with a maximum height of up to 350 metres. These parameters will depend on the findings of the studies, the environmental impact assessment, the adopted technologies and other conditions.

Based on the currently available information, the capacity and the location of the wind farm, its distance from the shore as well as the sea depth are all suitable for developing offshore capacities and correspond to the scopes and conditions of other offshore wind farm projects in Europe.

The project is led by Ignitis Renewables with partner Ocean Winds. More information about the project is available on the website curoniannord.com.

29 May 2024

First wind turbine erected in the largest wind farm under construction in the Baltics by Ignitis Renewables

The first wind turbine has been erected in the largest wind farm under construction in the Baltics by Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company. It is 240 metres high and has an installed capacity of 7 megawatts (MW). These are the largest and most powerful wind turbines being built by the company. All 44 wind turbines in the Kelmė district are to be installed by the end of the year.

“We are now in the most intense and complex period of the wind farm construction, which will last until the end of this year. We are carrying out different tasks at the same time in different parts of the project. We are building roads, laying cables, installing the grid connection infrastructure, pouring the foundations for the next phase of the wind turbine construction, transporting the parts of the wind turbines from the Port of Klaipėda and installing the wind turbines when they arrive at the location,” says Giedrius Meškelė, Head of Renewables Lithuania at Ignitis Renewables.

According to him, the Kelmė wind farm will be equipped with wind turbines manufactured by Nordex. The installation will continue until the end of the year with commissioning taking place at the same time. Most of the wind turbines will be 240 metres high (including the tower and the blades) with blade rotation diameter of up to 163 metres. One wind turbine will have an installed capacity of 7 MW.

Installation of a wind turbine is a complex and precise process. Once the access road and foundations are prepared, the bulky parts of the wind turbines, including tower elements, nacelle, blades, are brought in. The first components of the wind turbines started moving out of the Port of Klaipėda at the end of March and will be delivered by the end of the year. Abnormal loads are escorted by the police and transported at night in order to avoid inconveniencing other road users and local residents.

The commercial operation of the wind farm is expected to start in 2025. The total potential capacity of the wind farm is 300 MW and the electricity it generates will be enough to cover the demand of 250,000 households in Lithuania, which is equivalent to an area the size of the Kaunas district.

Kelmė district is one of the most developed centres in Lithuania in terms of renewable energy and the wind farm of Ignitis Renewables, currently under construction, is another important step in expanding the company’s portfolio of wind farm projects in Lithuania and increasing its green generation capacity.

The investments in the Kelmė wind farm, including the acquisition and construction costs, are expected to reach around EUR 550 million.

17 May 2024

Ignitis Renewables presented seabed survey data to Lithuania’s scientific community

International green energy company Ignitis Renewables, together with its partner Fugro, presented seabed exploratory survey data to the country’s scientific community at a conference organised by Klaipėda University. The data was collected as part of the company’s preparations to build an offshore wind farm in the Baltic Sea, off the coast of Lithuania.

For this project, detailed seabed surveys were carried out to assess the conditions of the Baltic seabed, to decide where to locate the wind turbines, and to make decisions on their construction and design.

The geophysical survey vessel Fugro Frontier has covered around 2,000 kilometres in the Baltic Sea collecting high-quality data. The survey vessel carried out an in-depth analysis of a 120 square-kilometre area in the Baltic Sea for an offshore wind farm, collecting 2D ultra-ultra high-resolution (UHRS) sub-surface data, as well as bathymetry, sidescan sonar, and magnetometer data.

“The area of the Baltic seabed for the development of the first offshore wind farm in the Baltic States has never been studied in such detail before. Our aim is to ensure that the very detailed data collected will not only be used for the development of the offshore wind project, but also presented to the Lithuanian scientific community and seabed researchers. This is another benefit of the project,” says Communications Partner at Ignitis Renewables Paulius Kalmantas.

He points out that a unique energy project and the seabed data collected for its design as well as more information about a previously undiscovered shipwreck at the bottom of the sea were presented to the conference attendees. “This unexpected discovery of a shipwreck has attracted the attention of researchers and the wider public. The information is being further analysed, but we are already sharing this discovery and the related details with Lithuanian researchers and historians,” says P. Kalmantas.

The 700 megawatt (MW) offshore wind farm being built by Ignitis Renewables in the Baltic Sea could generate around 3 terawatt-hours (TWh) of green electricity annually, which would meet a quarter of Lithuania’s current electricity demand. The project will significantly increase the production of domestic electricity from renewable energy sources, eliminating dependence on electricity imports, promoting the region’s transformation into a sustainable green energy hub, and contributing to plans to turn the Baltic States into energy exporters to Central Europe.

The conference Sea and Coastal Research, organised by the Marine Research Institute of Klaipėda University, is aimed at Lithuanian researchers, representatives of business and industry as well as the public sector who wish to share research results, good examples of cooperation between science and business, and other relevant issues.

06 May 2024

A unique sight: giant parts are on their way to the largest Ignitis Renewables wind farm in the Baltic States

International green energy company Ignitis Renewables transports large wind farm components from the Port of Klaipėda to Kelmė District, where it is developing the largest onshore wind farm in the Baltics. The wind turbines will be installed this year, while electricity generation will begin in 2025.

The blades and nacelles of the wind turbines are travelling along the motorway and the roads of Klaipėda, Raseiniai and Kelmė Districts to the future wind farm, where other infrastructure works are already underway: cables are being laid, access roads are being constructed, and the foundations of the turbines are being poured.

The unusually large cargo is being transported from the Port of Klaipėda at nighttime to avoid traffic disruption and inconvenience to local residents.

“The project in Kelmė District will allow us to increase the production of green energy significantly and meet the growing demand for it in the region. In this way, we are contributing to Lithuania’s energy security and to mitigating the factors affecting climate change, to phase out fossil fuels and reduce pollution,” says Paulius Kalmantas, Communication Partner at Ignitis Renewables.

The parts of the wind turbines were delivered to the Port of Klaipėda by their manufacturer, Nordex. The parts will be transported by land until the end of 2024.

Each wind turbine part is 50 to more than 80 metres long, requiring special transport and road infrastructure preparation. For this reason, the company is continuously investing in the infrastructure, improvements and other works in the municipalities through which the routes for transporting the oversized loads needed for the wind farm pass.

Ignitis Renewables is developing the wind farm in two phases, with a total of 44 turbines. Commercial operation date is planned in 2025. The park will have a total capacity of 300 megawatts (MW) and will generate enough electricity to power 250,000 households in Lithuania.

16 April 2024

A mobile educational exposition powered by Ignitis Renewables starts its journey across Lithuania

On the eve of national Energy Day in Lithuania, a specialised educational platform dedicated to informing the public about renewable energy starts its journey across Lithuania. The platform is powered by Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company developing renewable energy projects in the Baltic States and Poland. With this educational tool the company continues its support the programme #EnergySmartSTART.

“We invite everyone to go on an adventure with renewable energy! Our educational platform will provide an innovative introduction to using sustainable resources to generate electricity. The platform will travel all across Lithuania – it will visit communities where we are already developing or planning to develop renewable energy projects, various festivals and events, and also educational institutions,” says Vaiva Rutkauskaitė, the Head of Educational Programmes at Ignitis Group.

She emphasises that one of the company’s goals is to educate people about energy and, in particular, production of electricity from renewable sources. “Easy to understand and engaging content increases people’s understanding of the benefits of green transformation. Visitors to this mobile educational exhibition will be able to learn about onshore and offshore wind and solar power generation, take a virtual tour inside a wind farm and much more,” says V. Rutkauskaitė.

With the launch of this educational platform, Ignitis Renewables furthers its involvement with the programme #EnergySmartSTART, which has been running successfully in Lithuania for three years and is aimed at schoolchildren, students and anyone interested in learning about the energy sector. The energy companies that have joined the programme implement various initiatives, organise excursions for students, meet with specialists, establish special scholarships for students and introduce them to career opportunities in the energy sector.

Ignitis Renewables implements green energy projects to promote changes in the renewable energy sector of the region. The company is the first company in the Baltic States to develop an offshore wind farm project and is building the country’s largest onshore wind farm in Kelmė District. The company contributes to the decarbonisation of the energy sector, development of renewable energy sources, development and application of innovative solutions, sustainable growth as well as public education.

15 April 2024

Ignitis Renewables is participating in the second Lithuanian offshore wind tender

Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company, is participating in the tender of the second 700 megawatt (MW) Lithuanian offshore wind farm in the Baltic Sea. The company has submitted the necessary documents and the bid to the National Energy Regulatory Council (NERC), which is organising the tender.

The decision to participate in the second tender is driven by the change in the project implementation schedule. Under the terms of the tender, the project will have to be implemented within 8 years. This means that the investment schedule will potentially not coincide with the implementation of the first Lithuanian offshore wind farm project, which, in the event of a successful tender, will make it financially feasible to successfully implement both projects.

Ignitis Renewables is capable of participating in this tender on its own since the company has won the rights to develop offshore wind projects in Lithuania and Estonia, which satisfy the tender qualification requirements. “Our long-term strategy is to develop projects with reliable and experienced partners, and if we win the tender, we will immediately start the partner selection process,” says Thierry Aelens, CEO at Ignitis Renewables.

He highlighted that the company is pursuing Ignitis Group’s goal to increase its green generation capacity 4 times, from the current 1.3 to 4–5 gigawatts (GW). The pursuit of this ambitious goal does not change the company’s offshore wind development strategy, and the development of wind farms at the Baltic Sea will continue to play a major role in it.

In 2023, Ignitis Renewables and its partner, Ocean Winds, were successful in the first 700 MW Lithuanian offshore wind tender. Currently, the project has already received a permit to use a part of the maritime area for the development and operation of renewable energy capacities. Additionally, the company, together with its partner, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), were successful in two Estonian tenders for developing offshore wind projects in the Baltic Sea, territories Liivi 1 and Liivi 2.

Successful development of wind farms in the Baltic Sea is a very significant step towards regional energy independence. Thanks to such projects, a significant increase in local electricity production from renewable energy sources will diminish the dependence on electricity imports, promote the region’s transition to a sustainable green energy hub and contribute to the plans to turn the Baltic States into energy exporters to Central Europe.

11 April 2024

The future of Ignitis Renewables’ green offshore wind energy: a thriving and protected Baltic Sea

Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company, demonstrates its commitment to the environment and a more sustainable future. By joining the expedition Save the Baltic Sea, the company has added another important measure to its list of environmental initiatives. The company is actively involved in a wide range of educational activities to raise awareness of environmental issues in the region and to encourage business and society to become more involved in addressing them. As an important step towards green energy, this is another way to ensure that the turbines of the first offshore wind farm in Lithuania, which will be built by Ignitis Renewables, will operate for many years in the clean and vibrant Baltic Sea.

“By joining the expedition, we aim not only to showcase the beauty of the Baltic Sea, but also to remind everyone that, no matter where we live or what we do, we are all responsible for the health of the Baltic Sea. The Save the Baltic Sea team believes that by joining forces we can contribute to the preservation of the Baltic Sea ecosystems. We support this initiative too, with green energy projects that promote change in the renewable energy sector in our region. In this way, we can contribute to the decarbonisation of the energy sector, the development of renewable energy sources, the development and application of innovative solutions, sustainable growth and public education,” says Agnė Lukoševičienė, environmental expert at Ignitis Renewables, who is responsible for the offshore wind project.

According to her, in order to reduce the negative impacts on the Baltic Sea, it is first necessary to understand the scale of the problem and to target measures according to their impact on the ecosystem. The expert is convinced that the state of the Baltic Sea can be significantly improved through research, impact assessment, a better understanding of the ecosystem, prioritisation of threats, and introduction of appropriate measures.

“We need to change everyone’s habits at all levels: business, national and regional. The Baltic Sea is a place where many interests – tourism, fishing, shipping, resource extraction, defence, energy and more – intersect. And all of these activities need to be carried out in an environmentally friendly manner. The more people understand how our actions affect the marine environment, the easier it will be to bring about change,” says the environmental expert.

The aim is to educate the public and inspire people to make changes

According to A. Lukoševičienė, the most important mission of the expedition Save the Baltic Sea is to spread knowledge, educate the public and inspire people to bring about changes. The expert points out that many people in the Baltic Sea region do not even realise the extent of the environmental problems affecting the sea, their causes and the long-term impact on the ecology and economy.

“By raising awareness, we can empower society to make the necessary changes: to review consumption habits, to recycle more carefully, to reduce the inflow of nutrients into the sea by reviewing crops fertilization practices and manage wastewater more responsibly, or, for example, to promote the development of renewable energy in the region, which will not only contribute to climate change mitigation goals, but also to the improvement of biodiversity state in the Baltic Sea,” says the environmental expert at Ignitis Renewables.

The Baltic Sea, with its unique ecosystem, is a recreational destination and a source of livelihood for all the countries around it. According to A. Lukoševičienė, the Baltic Sea has recently faced a number of challenges – pollution, eutrophication, habitat degradation and others – that have exacerbated both the environmental problems and the problems of society groups that depend on the Baltic Sea economically.

“Meeting these challenges properly requires a concerted effort from everyone. Raising environmental awareness, integrating sustainability into development decisions, transforming the energy sector, reducing carbon dioxide emissions and promoting renewable energy are all necessary to meet both international and national climate change targets,” comments the expert.

The offshore wind farm is a step towards clean energy

The offshore wind farm being developed by Ignitis Renewables is an important step towards clean energy. Lithuania will become the first Baltic state to generate electricity from offshore wind. A. Lukoševičienė notes that the construction of offshore wind turbines entails a great responsibility to educate the public about the project. The company is committed to raising topical issues related to the development of this type of project and thus stimulating public debate.

“Our goal is not just energy production. We aim to strike a balance between clean energy production and environmental protection, to raise awareness of the benefits of offshore wind energy for the country and the Baltic region as a whole,” emphasises the company’s representative.

A. Lukoševičienė says that even if there are no mandatory environmental procedures, in all countries where Ignitis Renewables operates, local experts are involved in the development of the projects, offering their recommendations on how the company can contribute to the environmental status of the area being developed. Preparations for the construction of the first offshore wind farm are also being carried out in a very responsible manner, with an environmental impact assessment covering not only national requirements but also international best practices.

“Actions and initiatives that promote an environmentally responsible business model undoubtedly contribute to maintaining a clean and vibrant environment. By sharing best practices and their results, we encourage others to find a balance between business and nature in their activities,” comments the environmental expert.

The environmental impact of power plants is carefully assessed

A. Lukoševičienė notes that Ignitis Renewables takes a responsible approach to the impact of its activities on nature and assesses its dependence on natural resources. The company is also aware of the fragility of the balance of nature and the potentially significant losses that could be caused by disturbing it. According to the expert, restoring resources can be costly, difficult, and sometimes impossible.

“Our aim is not only to reduce our impact on the environment, but also to contribute to improving the state of nature. For example, in solar farms, we monitor flora and fauna. We leave part of the area for natural vegetation, and we do not enclose the parks with impenetrable fences so that animals can move freely. Under the right conditions, we provide feeding and resting places for birds of prey,” says the expert, listing specific measures to reduce the environmental impact of Ignitis Renewables facilities.

According to her, a lot of attention is paid to birds in the development of wind farms, and there is close cooperation with ornithologists. The impact of the farm is assessed not only before the wind turbines are put into operation, but also after they are operational. Additional mitigation measures are put in place when problem areas are identified.

“This could include shutting down turbines or reducing the number of turbines in operation on key bird migration days. Even after applying these solutions additional monitoring is carried out for one year,” says the environmental expert, adding that the operations of Ignitis Renewables wind farms are also aligned with the life cycle of bats by limiting the lighting of the farms and avoiding white light.

Ignitis Renewables operates within the environmentally responsible business model of Ignitis Group, with key environmental objectives written into the Group’s strategy and plan. Ignitis Group is strengthening its contribution to the decarbonisation of Europe and to energy security in the region. The company plans to achieve a zero GHG emissions balance by 2040–2050 and to increase its green generation capacity to 4–5 gigawatts (GW) by 2030.

Ignitis renewable vėjo jėgainės

25 March 2024

Ignitis Renewables concluded financing agreement with EIB and NIB for its Pomerania wind farm 

International green energy company Ignitis Renewables has signed a limited recourse project financing agreement of EUR 82 million with the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) for its 94 megawatt (MW) Pomerania wind farm in Poland.

This financing arrangement involves contributions from two lending partners, with the EIB providing EUR 52 million and the NIB offering EUR 30 million. Through this new project finance loan, Ignitis Renewables is replacing corporate financing secured from the EIB and NIB on 10 March 2020 and 14 October 2020, respectively. SEB will take the role of agent, security agent and account bank in this transaction. 

“We’re immensely thankful for the steadfast collaboration with the EIB and NIB, as their backing is fundamental to the success of our renewable energy projects. At Ignitis Group, we’re at the forefront of driving green energy transition in the Baltic region and Poland, aiming for a future powered entirely by sustainable energy. This ambitious vision hinges on the support from key European financial institutions,” says Ignitis Group CFO Jonas Rimavičius. 

Pomerania wind farm is located in the Pomeranian Voivodship in Poland and produces roughly 300 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of renewable electricity per year. The project reached commercial operations in December of 2021. 

15 March 2024

Silesia I wind farm in Poland has reached commercial operation date

The Silesia I wind farm in Poland, developed by international green energy company Ignitis Renewables, has reached the start of commercial operation, bringing Ignitis Renewables closer to the company’s green production targets. With the development of the new projects, the company is advancing the target of Ignitis Group to enable green and flexible capacity build-out and to deliver 4–5 gigawatts (GW) of installed green generation capacities by 2030.

“We are strongly committed to our purpose to create a 100% green and secure energy ecosystem for current and future generations in our region. This is why we are investing more than ever in renewable energy projects in the Baltics and Poland,” says Darius Maikštėnas, CEO of Ignitis Group.

The project is located in south-western Poland, Lower Silesian Voivodeship, near the border with Czech Republic. It consists of 14 wind turbines with a capacity of 3.6 megawatts (MW) each. The 50 MW park is estimated to generate around 122 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean renewable energy per year, enough to power around 30,000 households in Poland.

With the start of commercial operation of the Silesia I wind farm, the total installed capacity of Ignitis Group’s green generation reached 1.4 GW (up from 1.3 GW). The total investment in this project is around €75 million. The electricity generated by the wind farm will be sold through contract for difference (CfD) contracts. 

14 March 2024

Ignitis Renewables invites to Save the Baltic Sea together

International green energy company Ignitis Renewables supports the expedition Save the Baltic Sea and invites to pay attention to the ecological state of the sea and work together in preserving the Baltic Sea. During the nine-month walk around the Baltic Sea, the expedition and its partners will invite citizens, governments, organisations and businesses to take active steps to preserve the sea for future generations.

As a part of its long-term strategy, Ignitis Renewables emphasises the importance of decarbonising the energy sector, developing renewable energy, creating innovative solutions and sustainable growth, while respecting the principles of environmental protection, social responsibility and good corporate governance.

“We are the first in the Baltic States to develop offshore energy projects, using the wind and sea and taking significant steps towards energy independence for the entire region. For us, the Baltic Sea is not just a pleasant sight and refreshing waves on a hot summer’s day, it is a path to a green and independent tomorrow. We must preserve the Baltic Sea for future generations, because we are stronger, more powerful and more independent,” says Paulius Kalmantas, Communications Partner at Ignitis Renewables.

According to him, the company seeks to ensure the region’s energy security and independence through the development of green energy, environmental protection and climate change mitigation. One of the largest projects currently underway to achieve these goals is the first offshore wind farm in Lithuania and the Baltic States.

“Offshore wind power generation is an innovation for all of us and a great opportunity to raise awareness of the Baltic Sea, and Ignitis Renewables invites to preserve the Baltic Sea together. Green energy is closely linked to nature and its preservation, and the protection of the ecosystem of the Baltic Sea is one of the key objectives of the sustainability strategy of the company,” says P. Kalmantas.

The main goal of the expedition Save the Baltic Sea is raiding awareness and educational activities. The expedition will educate the public about the state of aquatic ecosystems, the impact of human activities on the sea, and the ways that everyone can reduce their contribution to the loss of marine biodiversity and pollution, as they travel around the Baltic Sea.

Sad statistics show that the Baltic Sea is one of the top five most polluted seas in the world. The international team of the expedition Save the Baltic Sea, supported by Ignitis Renewables, is sure that by joining forces, everyone can contribute to preserving the Baltic Sea. This message will be carried by the participants of the expedition as they walk 6,000 kilometres around the Baltic Sea.

13 March 2024

Klaipėda District residents support the development of renewable energy in Lithuania

Climate change is a threat that can be tackled by replacing traditional energy sources with renewable energy generation. This is the view of a growing number of Lithuanian citizens, including residents of the Klaipėda district elderships of Vėžaičiai and Endriejavas. In these elderships, 85 percent of residents agree that climate change is affecting the world, and 65 percent believe that renewable energy generation is an important factor in stopping climate change. The majority of residents in Vėžaičiai and Endriejavas elderships support the development of wind and solar parks in their neighbourhoods.

On the initiative of Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company, the KOG Institute of Marketing and Communication Sciences conducted a representative survey of the residents of Vėžaičiai and Endriejavas elderships. During live meetings in October and November 2023, 250 inhabitants aged 16 years and older were interviewed.

The survey also revealed that 81 percent of the residents of these elderships in Klaipėda District welcome the development of renewable energy in Lithuania.

In addition, 85 percent of respondents believe that it is strategically important for Lithuania to secure energy independence and to generate all the electricity it needs itself. Two thirds (65 percent) of respondents believe that the generation of energy from wind, solar and other renewable sources can make a significant contribution to Lithuania’s economic growth. Sixty-one percent believe renewable energy generation can serve the needs of the local community, and 58 percent believe it can benefit the regional economy.

“The survey data reflects global trends showing that people are increasingly aware and supportive of renewable energy projects. This reflects a growing environmental awareness and a willingness to be part of the changes that will help to stop climate change. The development of renewable energy is the foundation of the world’s energy transformation and the support of the population for wind and solar power projects is therefore crucial. The survey showed that there is no shortage of such support from the residents of Vėžaičiai and Endriejavas elderships in Klaipėda District,” says Lina Žibienė, Head of Environment and Permitting at Ignitis Renewables.

No climate change in one’s own backyard

Dr Judita Liukaitytė-Kukienė, Advisor to the Climate Policy Group at the Ministry of Environment, elaborates on the impacts of climate change. “In many surveys we see that climate change seems far away before it reaches our homes. However, coastal residents have already faced a number of flooding emergencies this winter. Last summer’s storms also caused a lot of damage in various municipalities across Lithuania. The climate is becoming more and more extreme, and we can see that the damage to Lithuania is also considerable. According to the European Environment Agency, in 2021 alone, the damage amounted to EUR 93 million,” says the environmental expert.

Seventy percent of the residents of Vėžaičiai and Endriejavas elderships think that climate change is a threat to Lithuania and the Baltic region as a whole, but only 30 percent of respondents think that the area they live in is under threat. In other words, they do not see how global issues can affect them personally.

“Data from a representative survey conducted during the live meetings with residents shows that residents of Vėžaičiai and Endriejavas elderships of Klaipėda District understand the threat of climate change and are not indifferent to global environmental problems. The vast majority (84 percent) also understand that every person and business can contribute to solving these problems,” says L. Žibienė.

The attitudes of the inhabitants of Vėžaičiai and Endriejavas elderships are similar to those of other Europeans. A Europe-wide survey of 26 European countries carried out at the end of last year by the research company Norstat showed that two thirds of Europeans welcome the development of solar and wind parks.

Energy projects are valuable for communities

“Maintaining close relationships with the communities in which we operate and with non-governmental organisations is one of the key principles of our sustainable and responsible operations. We want the renewable energy projects we build and manage to create value for the region as a whole, for local communities and businesses. Partnerships based on mutual trust are important to us, so we try to listen to the needs of the population and find opportunities for sustainable cooperation,” says the expert of Ignitis Renewables.

According to L. Žibienė, the development of renewable energy is not only vital to achieving climate goals and Lithuania’s energy independence, but also boosts the economy, allows attracting investment, creating jobs, and improving local infrastructure as well as contributes to regional development.

Green energy projects are being developed in Lithuania in a targeted manner and green energy reaches the homes of electricity consumers more and more often.  

Ignitis Renewables is currently carrying out environmental impact assessment procedures in Vėžaičiai and Endriejavas elderships, assessing 40 potential wind plant sites. Their total power could reach up to 250 megawatts (MW). The company is also considering the installation of a solar park and electricity storage facilities in this part of Klaipėda District. 

05 March 2024

Ignitis Renewables gathers wind and meteorological measurements in the Baltic Sea

Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company, continues the development of the first offshore wind farm in the Baltic States and is taking wind and meteorological measurements in the Baltic Sea that are necessary for the project. For this purpose, a floating measuring station with specialised equipment was brought to the maritime area of the future offshore wind farm.

The measuring station, which was put on a special buoy, will provide environmental monitoring data in real time to help make decisions on developing the project of strategic importance to Lithuania’s energy sector. These data will also help the company to achieve its goal to install offshore wind turbines of 700-megawatt (MW) capacity by 2030. Such capacity would meet up to a quarter of Lithuania’s current electricity demand.

“To have accurate data on prevailing wind speeds and other hydro-meteorological parameters such as wave height, direction and speed of currents, air and water temperature as well as bat activity in the maritime area of the offshore wind farm, our partner Fugro, towed one of their wind LiDAR buoy’s using specialised equipment to the maritime area of the future offshore wind farm and secured it,” says Dainius Stepanonis, Project Manager at Ignitis Renewables who is responsible for marine research.

According to him, this is a very important step in the implementation of the largest current energy project in Lithuania. World-class experts and the latest technology are used to carry out the work. “All the work in the territory will be completed within a few days, while the installed equipment will be left to collect and continuously transfer data remotely for at least a year, with the option, if necessary, to continue studies for a longer period,” says D. Stepanonis.

The expert from Ignitis Renewables clarifies that wind speed is measured at different altitudes from 20 to 280 metres, while water parameters are measured at depths of up to 4 metres. These data are crucial for selecting future wind turbine models, estimating the necessary investments, designing the turbine layout and their period of operation, and assessing other important aspects. Specialists conducting the studies are particularly interested in data of the winter period because in winter, the winds are the strongest and meteorological conditions are the worst.

It is planned that Lithuania will be the first of the Baltic States to have an offshore wind farm. The maritime area in the Baltic Sea designated for the offshore wind farm is approximately 120 square kilometres and is located at least 36 km away from the shore, approximately 60 km away from the Port of Klaipėda. The depth at the maritime area ranges from 28 to 48 metres, and the average annual wind speed there is around 9–10 m/s. It is these data that will be adjusted during this stage. 

The number of wind turbines to be erected there will be up to 55, with a maximum height of around 350 metres. All of these parameters will depend on the findings of studies, the environmental impact assessment, adopted technologies and other conditions. Based on the currently available information, the capacity, location of the wind turbines, their distance from the shore as well as the sea depth are all suitable for wind energy development and corresponds to the scope and conditions of other offshore wind farm projects in Europe.

Offshore wind is much more efficient and reliable for generating electricity compared to onshore wind. At sea, the wind is not obstructed by natural barriers such as trees, mountains or buildings. This makes electricity generation more efficient and reliable. Offshore wind is an especially reliable energy source as green electricity can be generated even when wind speed on the shore seems low.

22 February 2024

Ignitis Renewables launches environmental impact assessment for offshore wind farm

Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company, is preparing to build the country’s first offshore wind farm in the Baltic Sea and, in compliance with the imposed requirements, has prepared an environmental impact assessment (EIA) programme for this project, which is of great importance to Lithuania’s energy sector. The environmental impact assessment itself will be prepared on the basis of this programme.

The preparation of the EIA programme is another milestone on the road to the successful implementation of the project. According to Anne-Marie Roikjær, Project Director for offshore wind farm, green energy is closely related to nature and its conservation. The protection of the Baltic Sea ecosystem is one of the key objectives of the company’s sustainability strategy.

“When we develop renewable energy projects, the environment is inevitably affected, but to achieve a balance between clean electricity generation and nature protection, we will take all appropriate measures to minimise the environmental impact of the offshore wind farm, and when the impact cannot be avoided, we will implement compensatory measures to improve the state of the environment,” says A. Roikjær.

According to the Project Director, throughout the development of the offshore wind farm the best international practices will be followed, including consultations with highly qualified professionals and experts from Lithuania and other countries, who will bring their experience and knowledge to the project in Lithuania. The objective is to ensure that the environmental impact assessment and procedures for this project meet not only Lithuanian requirements, but also the strictest European and international requirements.

According to Lina Žibienė, Head of Environment and Permitting at Ignitis Renewables, there are several objectives of the environmental impact assessment. First, it is necessary to identify and assess the impact of the planned wind farm on individual environmental components, i.e. land surface and areas below, air, water, landscape, and biodiversity, with particular attention paid to protected animal, plant species and areas.

L. Žibienė stresses that it is equally important to assess the impact on public health and other social aspects. The purpose of the environmental impact assessment is to ensure a high level of environmental protection and the integration of environmental aspects into the implementation of the project. Also, to provide for measures to avoid, minimise or compensate for possible negative impacts and to ensure that the planned activities comply with the requirements of the legislation and best practices on environmental impact, human health, cultural heritage and public safety.

The EIA report was commissioned by Ignitis Renewables. The assessment will be carried out and the report will be compiled by the Coastal Research and Planning Institute. The EIA report coordination procedures and a final decision on the environmental impact of the offshore wind farm is expected to be received by the end of 2025. This decision will be taken by the Environmental Protection Agency, after considering the comments submitted by the public and taking into account the conclusions of the entities of the EIA.

The report will assess the offshore wind farm planned in the Baltic Sea, whose designated maritime area is approximately 120 square kilometres. The farm area is located at least 36 km away from the shore, approximately 60 km away from the Port of Klaipėda. The depth ranges from 28 to 48 metres and the whole area falls within the zone of average annual wind speeds of 9–10 m/s. The potential number of wind turbines to be erected will be up to 55, with a maximum height of up to 350 metres.

The final technical parameters of the farm will depend both on the conclusions of the surveys carried out during the environmental impact assessment and on the technological and other conditions existing at the time. It is important to note that the wind speed and other measurements necessary for the implementation of the project, as well as geotechnical and geophysical surveys of the seabed as well as other preparations, which will be used during the EIA process as well, are currently in progress.

It is planned that the 700-megawatt (MW) wind farm in the Baltic Sea, which will be operational around 2030, could generate around 3 terawatt-hours (TWh) of green electricity per year, which would meet a quarter of Lithuania’s current electricity demand.

20 February 2024

Ignitis Renewables to commence work on its solar portfolio in Latvia

Ignitis Renewables, a leading international green energy company operating in the Baltic states and Poland, has made the final investment decision on its 239 megawatt (MW) solar portfolio in Latvia, the largest of its kind in the Baltic states, with construction works to commence in the first quarter of this year. This decision marks a significant milestone in the region’s journey towards decarbonisation and energy security and reaffirms Ignitis Renewables’ commitment to creating a green and secure energy ecosystem.

“Latvia is a part of our home market, where Ignitis Renewables is actively expanding its activities and sees great growth opportunities. A third of our total project pipeline is in Latvia. The decision to move forward with construction marks an important step in our expansion within the Baltic states and its broader strategy for green energy development,” stated Thierry Aelens, CEO at Ignitis Renewables.

He emphasises the strategic importance of this development. “This investment decision aligns perfectly with our mission to expand our green generation segment. These projects in Latvia are pivotal for our progress towards our goal to install 4–5 gigawatts (GW) of green generation capacities by 2030,” he stated.

This portfolio comprises three separate solar power plants in Latvia, a 94 MW Vārme solar project and a 145 MW Stelpe solar project, consisting of two stand-alone developments. In total, the installed capacity of the planned solar parks should reach up to 239 MW. This will be enough to cover the electricity demand of around 100,000 households in Latvia per year. With grid capacity fully secured for these installations, the projects are poised to significantly bolster the renewable energy production in the region.

The Vārme solar power plant will be in Vārme parish, Kuldīgas county, while the Stelpe power plants will be in Barbele and Stelpe parishes, Bauskas county. The construction of the solar power plants is expected to commence in in the first quarter of 2024, with completion and commercial operation scheduled for 2025. Additionally, wind hybridisation options have been identified for all solar power plants, aiming to utilise the same grid connection points.

The total investment for this ambitious initiative is estimated at up to EUR 178 million, encompassing both construction and project acquisition costs. Within the coming years, Ignitis Renewables is planning to invest around EUR 700 million in Latvia. Most of the investments will be directed towards renewable energy projects.

Emphasis on community engagement and support

Sustainable and close cooperation with communities that are located near the renewable energy projects in operation, under construction and under development is at the core of the company’s approach.

“Partnership with local communities is the basis of sustainable development of Ignitis Renewables. We care about the environment we work in, and so we are open to suggestions on how we could create a more sustainable world together. We want for our renewable energy projects in operation and under construction to create value for the entire region, local communities and business. A partnership based on mutual trust is important to us, so we try to listen to the needs of local communities and find opportunities for sustainable cooperation,” said Baiba Lāce, Head of Ignitis Renewables in Latvia.

Ignitis Renewables is pleased to announce the continuation of its community support initiative for the third consecutive year. This program will extend financial aid to local communities neighbouring the Vārme and Stelpe solar park projects.

Following the successful allocation of funds in the previous year to community projects in Lithuania and Poland, Ignitis Renewables reaffirms its commitment to enhancing local well-being. In 2023, the company allocated a total of EUR 350,000 to various projects, furthering its dedication to positively impact the regions surrounding its renewable energy projects.

Environmental protection is at the forefront throughout the projects’ development

Ignitis Renewables is pioneering a unique environmental protection initiative in their Vārme and Stelpe solar park projects, a first in Latvia. This initiative goes beyond the standard mandated environmental care practices, introducing a tailored program of environmental measures within solar parks under development by the company.

This program, initiated in collaboration with Latvian birds and mammal specialists, aims to not only safeguard local species but also enhance their habitat in areas surrounding the planned projects. Measures include installing hunting perches for predatory birds and creating safe passages for larger animals with ramps and special gates at the solar power plants.

Additionally, in partnership with experts from the Latvian Nature Foundation, Ignitis Renewables has developed a strategy to reintroduce natural meadow habitats and grasslands. Landscape professionals have also contributed, offering guidance for implementing measures that preserve the natural landscape. This holistic approach underscores Ignitis Renewables’ commitment to environmental protection in renewable energy development.

offshore windmill park with stormy clouds and a blue sky, windmill park in the ocean. Netherlands . Europe, windmill turbines in ocean with blue sky, green energy concept

17 January 2024

Ignitis Renewables and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners win a second seabed site in Estonia’s offshore wind tender

International green energy company Ignitis Renewables and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) through its Growth Markets Fund II are the winners of the auction-based competitive tender for development of an offshore wind farm in the Liivi 1 sea area in Estonia, having placed the highest bid in the amount of EUR 1.16 million.

Having previously won the Liivi 2 site in Estonia’s first offshore wind tender held in December 2023, Ignitis Renewables and CIP see the adjacent site of Liivi 1 as a natural extension of the seabed area which will allow for greater synergy and optimisation in developing the sites as a single offshore wind project.

The maritime area of both sites is located in the Gulf of Riga, northwest of Ruhnu Island, near Estonia’s Baltic Sea coast covering in total approximately 193 square kilometres. While the theoretical potential capacity of both sites is calculated to be 2.3 gigawatts (GW), depending on environmental impact assessment results, site optimization as well as other factors, the actual capacity of the offshore wind park will be 1–1.5 GW. The project is expected to become operational around 2035.

Ignitis Renewables and CIP have signed an agreement to collaborate exclusively on offshore wind opportunities in Estonia and Latvia. The partnership leverages Ignitis Renewables’ leading market position in the Baltic region and CIP’s global offshore wind expertise.

Having now secured both the Liivi 1 and Liivi 2 sea areas, CIP and Ignitis Renewables have a strategic position to optimize the scale and potential of the sites, representing a key investment in Estonia’s and the region’s transformation into a sustainable, long-term green energy hub in Europe.

09 January 2024

Ignitis Renewables appointed a Project Director for offshore wind park

Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company, has appointed Anne-Marie Roikjær as Project Director for Lithuania’s first offshore wind farm developed together with Ocean Winds.

“We are thrilled to announce the appointment of A. Roikjær as our Project Director for the offshore wind farm in Lithuania. This marks a significant milestone in our journey towards delivering the first offshore wind project in the Baltics. This appointment is a clear indication of our commitment to this goal. Her impressive track record stands testament to the capability to lead such a significant and challenging project,” stated Thierry Aelens, CEO at Ignitis Renewables.

“I am very excited to join Ignitis Renewables, the leading green energy company in the Baltics and the development of offshore renewable energy in Lithuania. The offshore wind project is a cornerstone of this vision,” says A. Roikjær.

The newly appointed Project Director boasts an impressive professional background with extensive experience at Vattenfall, she served as Lead Technical Project Manager for the Norfolk Vanguard and Boreas offshore wind farms. Her responsibilities included overseeing the technical development of transmission grids and wind farms, ensuring compliance with project requirements and managing other significant aspects. Her prior roles at Bladt Industries and DONG Energy (Ørsted) further highlight her expertise in technical project management in the offshore wind sector.

This experience is particularly relevant as it aligns with Ignitis Renewables’ strategy of leveraging international expertise in local projects.

The Project Director will oversee project strategy development, detailed planning, site assessments, and selection of development solutions. The Director will be also responsible for securing all the necessary authorisations and permits for construction and operation and for managing extensive studies for regulatory compliance.

The offshore wind farm development is a crucial step towards Lithuania’s energy independence. This significant project will notably elevate local electricity production from renewable sources, thereby lessening dependence on imported electricity.

19 December 2023

Working closer to the sky: who are the professionals in charge of wind farm maintenance?

Engineering skills, high-altitude skills and a keen analytical mind. Wind turbine technicians are versatile. They are the people who help Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company, ensure the smooth development of its wind farms, which is gaining momentum.

The most efficient performance of wind turbines is achieved through proper maintenance. This includes regular inspections for oil changes, various tests and inspections and repairs. Using specialised equipment, technicians inspect the blades of the wind turbine, the casing that houses the main components of the turbine, the tower itself, the generator and other components.

Ignitis Renewables is already starting to use advanced technology such as drones to assess the condition of wind turbines, but most maintenance and repair work is not automated.

Qualified engineers on staff 

Virginijus Jagela, Head of Maintenance and Management at Ignitis Renewables, points out that the people involved in maintaining wind turbines have a highly analytical mindset. According to V. Jagela, they must be able to analyse individual system parameters, detect changes in them and understand their impact on the operation of the wind turbine.

V. Jagela points out that the maintenance of wind turbines involves specialists from various fields.

“Turbines are serviced by technicians who know electromechanics. They look after the generator and other electrical components. There are also mechanics who are responsible for operating and monitoring the gearbox and other mechanical components. They monitor the condition of the gearboxes, change the lubricants, monitor the condition of the tower and other similar tasks. Other specialist teams carry out tasks such as wing maintenance, etc. These people spend most of their time hanging on the blades and inspecting their surface. They look for cracks and repair them,” says an Ignitis Renewables expert.

He adds that wind turbine technicians also work on the power plants, maintaining their lifts and other lifting mechanisms. Cranes are also used for major repairs and are operated by specially trained teams.

“All the technicians are qualified electromechanical, automation or mechanical engineers. But that is not all, they also acquire specific knowledge by attending wind turbine maintenance training courses organised by the equipment manufacturers,” says V. Jagela.

A special focus on safety 

Technicians usually work at very high altitudes of hundreds of metres, which puts turbine maintenance in a high-risk category. However, V. Jagela points out that all measures are taken to ensure the safety of the employees. For example, technicians are not allowed to work alone – all work is carried out simultaneously by at least two trained professionals who are also certified in high-altitude climbing and wind turbine safety.

Technicians wear personal protective equipment such as special clothing, safety boots, helmets and safety harnesses attached to anchor points. “When working in the cabin of a wind turbine, technicians must also carry rescue equipment to evacuate from the turbine in the event of a fire or other hazard,” says the maintenance and operations manager.

He adds that maintenance work on wind farms is only carried out in good weather conditions. According to V. Jagela, technicians are not allowed to work if the wind speed is too high and there is a high probability of lightning.

Monitoring, maintenance and repairs

Wind farms are monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week. According to V. Jagela, specialists at the dispatching centres constantly monitor the parameters of the turbines and record faults remotely.

According to the manager, maintenance work is planned in accordance with the manufacturer’s standards. He notes that turbine manufacturers routinely draw up long-term maintenance plans covering a period of up to 12 years. “Different work is carried out each year according to a fixed schedule. For example, the gearbox oil is changed every four years or so, and the blades are inspected every two years,” says the Ignitis Renewables expert.

Any faults detected by the specialists at the dispatch centre are rectified immediately. “All necessary repairs are carried out, regardless of their nature or extent. This can range from replacing sensors for a few hours to major repairs such as replacing bearings, blades or gearboxes. In the latter case, turbines can be shut down for months,” says V. Jagela.

He stresses that regular, high-quality maintenance of wind turbines is the only way to keep them in good condition. It is the timely maintenance and repair work that allows a wind turbine to operate for 25 or even 30 years.

15 December 2023

Ignitis Renewables is granting financial support to communities: from modern lighting solutions to upgraded sports stadium

More and more Lithuanian communities are actively utilising the financial support made available to them to improve their daily lives. Vydmantai is a good example of a community that successfully utilised financial support granted by Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company. The largest village in Kretinga district has used the funds to light up the swimming area that has become a community attraction, improve their sports stadium and complete the electricity installation works for the new church and parsonage complex. Additionally, there are plans to erect a dome for an outdoor classroom and a stage for community and student activities in 2024.

“We see the financial support allocated to projects that are important to the communities not just as a measure to promote our renewable projects and garner support. Supporting community projects and ideas allow the responsible companies to build trust between citizens and businesses as well as support the development of rural areas. We see communities as partners that can help us reach the goals of green transition. That’s why we are especially proud of and support the communities that look for energy efficiency, renewable and other solutions that can coexist with the environment,” said Emilija Musteikytė, Community Projects Coordinator at Ignitis Renewables.

A community attraction in a new light

One of the projects has already been completed with the help of financial support provided by Ignitis Renewables. Lighting solutions powered by solar energy have been installed at the Vydmantai recreational zone, where residents can enjoy water activities. According to the Chair of the Vydmantai Community Centre, Simas Končius, the new lighting solutions already had their use both in summer and at the start of the cold season.

“During the summer, Vydmantai residents can play beach volleyball, camp and swim at our recreational and swimming area. You can often find the village kids having fun here, and people like to walk their pets nearby, and darkening sky doesn’t interrupt their recreational activities. As the autumn brings longer evenings, the lamps allow us to spend more time outside and improve security as well as help ensure public order at night,” told us S. Končius.

According to the Chair of the Village Community Centre, the community is glad that the implemented project is modern, environmentally friendly and promotes green energy at Vydmantai.

The refurbished stadium to make sports safer

Another project implemented in Vydmantai was upgrading the infrastructure of Vydmantai gymnasium by installing nets for catching balls. The headmistress of the gymnasium, Rasa Stonkuvienė, said that it was a joint decision made by the students, the teachers and the community footballers to upgrade the stadium.

“The gymnasium stadium is surrounded by thorny hedges, so when playing football, the balls would often be damaged or get into private properties. To avoid the resulting conflicts and to upgrade the barriers, it was decided to build a 90 metre fence for catching balls. This made the stadium, which is very important to the community, more attractive and functional,” said R. Stonkuvienė.

She notes that the entire gymnasium and village community engaged in the implementation of the project as volunteers helped with manual labour and preparations.

The long-awaited church and parsonage complex

Financial support was also utilised for another project that is important to the community, electricity installation works for the new church and parsonage complex that are under construction. During the installation works, electricity lines were laid up to the foundations of the new church and parsonage.

“Church and parsonage construction works are being very closely followed by all Vydmantai residents and the entire parish. In the context of these uncertain times, it’s important to create a safe environment that benefits people’s wellbeing, covers spiritual and cultural needs,” said Karolis Petravičius, priest of Vydmantai parish.

Each of the representatives of Vydmantai village is confident that the financial support provided by businesses is important and beneficial, so they expect to take advantage of it in the future by implementing other projects that the community needs and that improves their daily lives.

Vydmantai community and school submitted separate projects and secured financial support for a dome for an outdoor classroom and a stage for community and student activities.

Financial support was granted for a second year in a row

Ignitis Renewables and its subsidiaries have been granting financial support for two years in a row. In 2022 they granted financial support to nine communities that are located near renewable energy projects managed by the companies. A total of EUR 86,100 was allocated to support the communities.

This year financial support was allocated to the projects of the communities located near renewable energy projects in Tauragė, Mažeikiai, Jurbarkas, Kretinga (Lithuania) as well as Pomerania and Silesia (Poland). In 2023 the total funds allocated to the projects that improve the wellbeing of communities amounted to EUR 350,000.

14 December 2023

Ignitis Renewables secures financing from EIB and NIB for its wind farm in Mažeikiai

International green energy company Ignitis Renewables has signed a project financing agreement for EUR 64 million with the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) for the Mažeikiai wind farm.

Both the EIB and NIB have provided loans for the wind farm, contributing EUR 32 million each. The loan is concluded for a period of 12 years and covers around 75% of total investments of the project. Citi will take the role of agent, security agent and account bank in this transaction.

“By leading the regional energy transition in Lithuania and the Baltics, we strive to create a 100% green and secure energy ecosystem. This will not be possible without the support of leading European financial institutions, hence we are grateful for the reliable cooperation with the EIB and NIB, which is vital for the success of our renewable energy projects,” said Ignitis Group CFO Jonas Rimavičius.

“The EU bank is delighted to sign this significant loan agreement, which will support the deployment of new renewable energy capacity in Lithuania,” said EIB Vice-President Thomas Östros, who is responsible for operations in Lithuania. “In addition to promoting energy independence, we are proud to contribute to Lithuania’s transformation into a low-carbon economy on its path to climate neutrality,” he added.

“As Lithuania is rapidly building up its sustainable energy production, our long-term financing for wind farm developments continues to speed up this journey. To unlock the full potential of renewables in our region, we look forward to accelerating further generation and transmission developments,” added NIB President and CEO André Küüsvek.

The first wind farm in Lithuania built by Ignitis Renewables is located in Mažeikiai district. It has commenced commercial operations in August of 2023. It is estimated that the 63-megawatt (MW) wind farm will help power around 90,000 homes with clean renewable energy.

13 December 2023

Ignitis Renewables and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners win Estonia’s first offshore wind tender

International green energy company Ignitis Renewables and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) through its Growth Markets Fund II are the winners of the auction-based competitive tender for development of an offshore wind farm in the Liivi 2 sea area in Estonia, having placed the highest bid in the amount of EUR 1.7 million.

The maritime area for the offshore wind farm is located northwest of Ruhnu Island, near Estonia’s Baltic Sea coast covering approximately 115 square kilometres, with a total capacity of up to 1.4 gigawatts (GW) expected to become operational post 2030.

“This is the second offshore wind tender secured by the Ignitis Renewables in the Baltic States. By winning, Ignitis Group achieves its strategic goal of securing a second offshore wind development project in our home market, which is a substantial step towards our overall objective to achieve 4–5 GW of installed green and flexible capacities by 2030”, said Darius Maikštėnas, CEO of Ignitis Group.

He highlighted that this achievement marks yet another significant milestone in the Baltic region’s energy transition. It supports the goals of decarbonization and enhances energy security by advancing the use of offshore wind.

“With today’s announcement, we are taking an important step in expanding our presence in the Baltic states, a core market of CIP’s Growth Market Funds. We believe this project could be a cornerstone investment in Estonia’s transformation into a sustainable, long-term European green energy hub”, said Ole Kjems Sørensen, Partner in CIP and Head of the Growth Markets Funds.

This year Ignitis Renewables and CIP have signed an agreement to collaborate exclusively on offshore wind opportunities in Estonia and Latvia. The partnership leverages Ignitis Renewables’ leading market position in the Baltic region and CIP’s global offshore wind expertise. Ignitis Renewables and CIP aim to become active and long-term partners for the energy transition in the Baltic region, supporting Baltic states’ decarbonization targets and energy security ambitions through the deployment of offshore wind.

05 December 2023

Ignitis Renewables discovered a shipwreck during the seabed survey in the Baltic Sea

During the ongoing survey organised by an international green energy company, Ignitis Renewables, to assess the feasibility of the offshore wind farm, a 70 metres long and 6 metres high sunken ship was discovered. The wreck, lying 38 metres deep, was discovered by a geophysical survey vessel, Fugro Frontier.

“After receiving the information about the discovery of the shipwreck, we have informed the responsible state authorities, as this finding was not previously included in the database. The identity of the wreck will be confirmed after additional historical and underwater archaeological research is carried out. We believe that the collected high-quality data will also be valuable to the scientific community and the historians,” says Paulius Kalmantas, Communications Partner at Ignitis Renewables.

According to P. Kalmantas, the 120 square kilometre seabed area in the Baltic Sea designated for developing wind projects has never been surveyed in such detail. The data collected will be used not just for the development of the offshore wind project. The company has committed to transfer the data to the Lithuanian scientific community. This is an additional benefit the project is bringing along.

As noted by a representative of the Department of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture (DCH), there are not many objects like this in the Lithuanian territorial waters in the Baltic Sea. Currently, there are 19 shipwreck locations registered in the Register of Cultural Heritage. “During the implementation of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage, DCH is planning to enter the ship into Inventory of Real Cultural Heritage. After dating the ship, discussions will be held weather to enter it into the Register of Cultural Heritage,” explained Augustina Kurilienė, Chief Officer at DCH.

Dr. Elena Pranckėnaitė, an archaeologist at Klaipėda University and an underwater heritage expert agrees that such a finding is very interesting for underwater archaeology experts, heritage conservationists and historians that are researching shipping in the Baltic Sea. That’s why the ship must be preserved and investigated further in order to identify it.

Ignitis Renewables is developing the first offshore wind farm in Lithuania. It is estimated that the 700-megawatt (MW) wind farm, located in the Baltic Sea, could generate around 3 terawatt-hours (TWh) of green electricity per year, which would meet up to a quarter of Lithuania’s current electricity demand.

It was announced earlier that the survey of the seabed has begun. The survey will help enhance the understanding of seabed conditions in the Baltic Sea, which will inform the location, construction and design of wind turbines.

The survey vessel will sail over 2,000 kilometres to survey the territory and collect high-quality data. The insights learned after analysing the data will inform the selection of further surveys necessary to create a detailed seabed model that Ignitis Renewables, along with its partners, will use to design the optimal wind turbine foundations and select locations.

30 November 2023

This year Ignitis Renewables allocated EUR 350,000 to fund the activities and wellbeing of local communities

An international green energy company, Ignitis Renewables, is continuing sustainable and close cooperation with communities that are located near the renewable energy projects under development, under construction or in operation. This year financial support was allocated for the projects of the communities from Tauragė, Mažeikiai, Kretinga (Lithuania) as well as Pomerania and Silesia (Poland). In 2023 the total funds allocated for funding the projects that improve the wellbeing of communities amounted EUR 350,000.

“We see the financial support allocated to projects that are important to the communities not just as a measure promoting the support of the development of renewable projects. Supporting community projects and ideas allow the responsible companies to build trust between citizens and businesses as well as support the development of rural areas. We see communities as partners that can help us reach the goals of green transition. That’s why we are especially proud of and support the communities that look for energy efficiency, renewable and other solutions that can coexist with the environment,” said Emilija Musteikytė, Community Projects Coordinator at Ignitis Renewables.

This year we received ten applications from Lithuania and eight from Poland. After diligently examining the applications and ideas, funding was approved for all ten projects in Lithuania in the amount of EUR 247,000 and six projects in Poland in the amount of EUR 105,000. All approved projects feature upgrades and installation of the infrastructure that is relevant to the local communities as well as education.

Lithuanian projects range from installing smart lighting to building community centres

Communities located near an Ignitis Renewables wind farm in Mažeikiai region contacted us regarding the financial support for building a community centre. It will also include a repair of a student centre in Mažeikiai.

“Communities located near our projects are sharing their good financial support practices with each other. For example, we are going to install solar-powered lighting solutions in Pikeliai, a town located in the Mažeikiai region. The Vydmantai community already has such lighting solutions installed. It received the necessary financial support from Ignitis Renewables in 2022,” shared E. Musteikytė.

Danielius Gedutis, a representative of Pikeliai community and the head of the association “Kuriame kartu” (Creating Together), believes that it would be difficult to create a town that is enjoyable to live in without the financial support of responsible businesses. It also encouraged us to contact the company that was operating and developing renewable energy solutions nearby.

“Our town has a long history and more than one cultural object. When we were contacting the company regarding the financial support, we also were considering a pilgrim road that was being built from Pikeliai to Poland. Pilgrims passing the town need a place to sleep, make lunch or dinner and have a shower. So we used a part of the financial support the town received to install sleeping accommodations, a shower, a toilet and a kitchenette at the community’s premises. And in 2024 we are planning to improve the lighting by installing smart lighting solutions powered by solar energy,” said D. Gedutis.

Vydmantai, a town located near an Ingitis Renewables project in Kretinga region, are planning to erect a dome and a stage for community and student activities. The Girkaliai community is planning to repair its community centre.

A public institution, “Žaliasis regionas” (the Green Region), is organising a new education programme about wind energy. Next year, the Lauksargiai community is planning to dress up with new traditional clothing and improve stage lighting.

Also, a community centre will be built next to wind farm in Jurbarkas. The “Jovarų alėja” (Sycamore alley) association has drafted a project, requesting financial support, to build Jurbarkas community centre in 2024. The centre will host meetings, education programmes about green energy, events and other activities.

The needs of communities in Pomerania and Silesia

The communities located near Ignitis Renewables’ wind farms in Pomerania and Silesia submitted applications to receive financial support for organising running and race-walking competitions, art workshops, fire first aid training. We are going to repair a stadium, install solar panels in community centres.

Ignitis Renewables has been granting financial support to communities for the second year in a row. In 2022 the company granted financial support to nine communities and allocated EUR 86,100 in total. In 2024 the financial support will be provided both in Lithuania and Poland again. According to the company’s representatives, the number of countries where we provide financial support may increase by including Latvia.

23 November 2023

Ignitis Renewables on wind farms maintenance in the age of smart technology: drones, AI and digital twins

Quickly gather the necessary data, analyse it, draw conclusions and assume the necessary measures. In the age of smart technology, this sequence of actions guarantees maximum efficiency in many areas, including wind energy. Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company, is already ready for advanced maintenance of wind farms: drones will collect data on the condition of wind farms and artificial intelligence will carry out the analysis. Future plans also include performance testing using digital models.

“By 2030, Lithuania aims to generate all of its domestic electricity needs from renewable energy sources, with a substantial share of the electricity generated by wind farms. More innovative maintenance solutions will be necessary to ensure sustainable operation of wind farms. Advanced technologies will allow us to plan repairs in advance and prevent breakdowns. The main objective will remain the same – we will have to ensure uninterrupted operation of the power plants at maximum capacity,” states Mantas Marčiukaitis, the Head of Technological Systems at Ignitis Renewables.

Faster comprehensive inspection

The company’s representative sees a wide range of applications for drones in the maintenance of wind farms. According to the expert, these devices are extremely universal as they can be equipped with various types of cameras. Some can capture visual images, while others can capture infrared and even X-ray images.

“Drones are mainly used to inspect high-altitude objects such as the wings, tower and nacelle of wind farms. The focus is on the blades. They move at very high speeds and are constantly exposed to the environment, thus, they are the most likely to suffer from plaque or damage,” comments the company’s representative.

According to M. Marčiukaitis, the traditional method of blade maintenance was used for a long time – the technician has to stop the power plant and climb up to the turbine, and then, descending down the turbine with ropes, inspect all the blades one by one. With drones, the same work is done much faster and more efficiently.

“The wind farm still needs to be shut down, but for a much shorter period. A skilled drone technician inspects all the blades of the wind farm one by one and the images are stored on a server. Analysis of the images is then used to draw conclusions about the type and extent of potential damage,” says the technology expert.

Captures the smallest irregularities

M. Marčiukaitis talks about another innovation that will help collect more data on the state of wind farms. The initial assessment of the technical condition will be carried out by algorithms that identify deficiencies based on samples already in the database. The information will then be reviewed by engineers who make decisions on how to repair the wind farm.

The expert points out that modern cameras mounted on drones can capture 5-millimetre sized dents on a blade up to 85 metres long and up to 4 metres in diameter at its widest point. Meanwhile, an infrared camera can capture damage that is invisible on the surface. Its beams can penetrate as far as several centimetres into the part.

“The most common deficiencies are various deposits that prevent the wind farm from producing its maximum output. Cracks, dents and signs of mechanical fatigue are also recognisable,” says the representative of Ignitis Renewables. According to him, the need for drones will only grow as new wind farms are built. According to M. Marčiukaitis, optimising maintenance and more frequent remote maintenance of wind farms will be crucial to ensure their efficient operation and the shortest possible shutdowns.

Sensors also transmit data

Ignitis Renewables also keeps up with the latest technologies in the phase of planning wind farms, when it comes to assessing the wind energy resources in the area of the future wind farm. In the past, metal towers measuring wind speed are being replaced by LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) mobile measuring devices.

This laser-based technology can be used both for long-term wind speed measurements and for analysing the efficiency of wind farms. The main advantages of such instruments are the simple installation and relocation procedure, the higher measurement heights and the possibility to analyse the measured parameters in real time.

Meanwhile, wind farms are equipped with sensors that detect vibrations, displacements, temperature changes and other parameters. Most of these can be found in the nacelle and blades of the wind turbine.

In some more environmentally sensitive areas, parks require additional engineering solutions. In some cases, wind farm development is only possible with adequate protection for birds and bats. According to M. Marčiukaitis, one of the most advanced solutions in this field is bird radars.

“The radar’s coverage area covers the entire wind farm. When birds approaching the buffer zone are detected, a signal is sent to the control system to slow down or shut down the power plant in question to allow the birds to pass safely, and when the radar detects that the area is empty, the power plant is restarted in its normal mode,” explains the expert.

Optimal management of maintenance of wind farms is not possible without complex and innovative information technology solutions. Ignitis Renewables has set up a dedicated control centre that receives the operational data for all wind farms. Here, not only the power generation parameters but also the status of individual components are monitored.

Simulations – not just in manufacturing

M. Marčiukaitis says that the wind energy industry is also starting to use digital models of wind farms and their individual components, also known as digital copies or digital twins. For example, to check the efficiency of power plants, such models input parameters for a specific location and the wind turbines built there, then monitor their dynamics as environmental conditions change, and check whether the performance generated by the real wind farm matches that of the digital model.

“This is another solution to ensure that wind farms produce as much electricity as planned. Research is still ongoing, but if the efficiency proves out, we will use digital models of wind farms in the future,” comments the technology expert at Ignitis Renewables.

20 November 2023

Fugro supports Ignitis Renewables with seabed survey for Lithuania’s first offshore wind farm


Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company, has awarded Fugro a contract to conduct a geophysical survey at Lithuania’s first offshore wind farm site. This critical step in the project’s development aims to enhance the understanding of seabed conditions, which will inform the location, construction and design of future wind turbines at the Baltic Sea.

Fugro is the world’s leading specialist for collecting and analysing comprehensive information about the Earth and the structures built upon it. Fugro’s designated geophysical survey vessel, the Fugro Frontier, is currently on-site in the Baltic Sea surveying the 120 square-kilometre area, collecting 2D ultra-ultra high-resolution (UHRS) sub-surface data, as well as bathymetry, sidescan sonar, and magnetometer data.

The 2,000 survey line kilometres of high-quality data collected will be crucial for characterizing the site and identifying potential risks to an offshore wind farm development in this area. These insights will inform the selection of future geotechnical investigations and help create a detailed ground model that Ignitis Renewables along with their partners will use to determine the optimal wind turbine foundation design and locations.

“We are pleased to partner with Fugro, one of the leading authorities in the field, as the information gathered from these surveys brings us another step closer to making the first offshore wind farm in Lithuania a reality. The geophysical data acquisition is a critical milestone in our preparatory phase, laying the groundwork necessary to initiate construction on schedule,” stated the Head of Offshore Development at Ignitis Renewables Vytautas Rimas.

“Our commitment to delivering comprehensive, reliable geo-data, combined with our expertise in challenging geology and offshore conditions, will help derisk future phases of this development. We look forward to contributing to the success of Lithuania’s clean energy goals and to continue our tradition of providing valuable services to our clients,” said Alvydas Uždanavičius, Fugro’s Lithuania Country Manager.

In addition, Ignitis Renewables is also cooperating in analysis of seabed investigations with specialist engineering and design consultancy, Gavin & Doherty Geosolutions (GDG), a Venterra Group company, and local partners in Lithuania Geobaltic.

Scheduled to begin operations by 2030, the 700 megawatt (MW) offshore wind farm will generate up to 3 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity annually, which would meet up to a quarter of Lithuania’s current electricity demand.

The maritime area in the Baltic Sea designated for the first offshore wind farm is at least 37 km away from the shore, and approximately 60 km away from the Port of Klaipėda. The depth at the maritime area ranges from 28 to 48 metres, and the average annual wind speed there is around 9–10 m/s. The number of wind turbines to be erected there will range from 35 to 50, with a maximum height of around 300–350 metres. These parameters will depend on the findings of studies, the environmental impact assessment, adopted technologies and other conditions.

Offshore wind is much more efficient and reliable for generating electricity compared to onshore wind. At sea, the wind is not obstructed by natural barriers such as trees, mountains or buildings. This makes electricity generation more efficient and reliable. Offshore wind is an especially reliable energy source as green electricity can be generated even when wind speed on the shore seems low.

Based on the currently available information, the capacity, location of the wind turbines, their distance from the shore as well as the sea depth are all suitable for wind energy development and corresponds to the scope and conditions of other offshore wind farm projects in Europe.

17 November 2023

Both residents and guests are reaping the rewards of the partnership between communities and Ignitis Renewables

Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company, is cooperating with communities near wind and solar power plants under development by providing financial support for initiatives, education and improving infrastructure. The company has been providing financial support to the communities residing near its renewable energy projects under development for the second year now. The Pikeliai town, located in Mažeikiai district in Lithuania, used the financial support received from the company to refurbish the premises important to the entire community and adapted them to accommodate the pilgrims passing the town.

“Establishing close relations with the communities where we operate and non-governmental organisations is one of the key principles we follow in our sustainable and responsible operations. We want for our renewable energy projects in operation and under construction to create value for the entire region, including local communities and businesses. A partnership based on mutual trust is important to us, so we try to listen to the needs of local communities and look for opportunities for sustainable cooperation,” says Emilija Musteikytė, Community Relations Coordinator at Ignitis Renewables.

Ignitis Renewables and its subsidiaries are providing financial support for the second year in a row. In 2022 they provided financial support to nine communities that are located near the renewable energy projects managed by the companies. A total of EUR 86,100 was allocated to support the communities. This year the communities are eligible to receive up to EUR 300,000.

Making the town more attractive

Danielius Gedutis, the representative of Pikeliai community and the head of the association “Kuriame kartu” (Creating Together), believes that it would be difficult to create a town that is enjoyable to live in without the financial support of responsible businesses. That’s what encouraged us to contact a company that was operating nearby, Ignitis Renewables.

“Our town has a long history and more than one cultural object. When we were contacting the company regarding the financial support, we also were considering a pilgrim road that was being built from Pikeliai to Poland. Pilgrims passing the town need a place to sleep, make lunch or dinner and have a shower. So, we used a part of the financial support the town received to install sleeping accommodations, a shower, a toilet and a kitchenette at the community’s premises,” D. Gedutis told us.

He claims that with the pilgrim path passing through the town, there should be a lot more visitors, so the new infrastructure will ensure a more comfortable and convenient experience for the guests, which will entice the travellers to keep coming back to Pikeliai.

Engaging the whole community

According to D. Gedutis, the financial support was also used to improve the activities and gatherings of Pikeliai community members.

“The Pikeliai community is using the common premises for fun gatherings and sad moments when they say goodbye to their relatives. These premises badly needed an air conditioner that could both heat the premises and cool them during hot summer days. During the renovations, the electrical installations were also improved as they were quite old,” said D. Gedutis.

He also noted that the community members were keen to participate in the project and volunteered to do the tasks that were not planned in advance. He also hopes to collaborate with the businesses in the future to further improve the town’s residents’ lives.

“There are plenty of things we could cooperate on, including illuminating dark spaces at common premises by deploying new smart technologies. We are also considering installing solar modules, which could generate electricity to heat the premises,” elaborated on future plans the representative of Pikeliai community, which successfully utilised the financial support provided by Ignitis Renewables.

31 October 2023

Ignitis Renewables signs its largest corporate PPA to supply renewable electricity to Umicore’s EV battery materials plant in Poland

Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company, and Umicore, a leading circular materials technology company, have entered into a 10-year corporate power purchase agreement (PPA) to supply renewable electricity for Umicore’s electric vehicle (EV) battery materials plant in Nysa, Poland, from an onshore wind farm, Silesia Wind Farm II, to be built and operated by Ignitis Renewables.

This agreement is the largest green corporate PPA concluded by Ignitis Renewables. It covers a substantial part of the expected electricity production of Silesia WF II, which is currently under construction in southwestern Poland and will have a total capacity of 137 megawatts (MW).

“Through this PPA collaboration, we are proud to support Umicore in its production of battery materials for electric vehicles in Nysa through renewable electricity produced at our wind farm and hope to continue contributing to their path towards net-zero greenhouse gas emissions targets,” said Thierry Aelens, CEO at Ignitis Renewables.

He added that the conclusion of the PPA is a strategic milestone of Ignitis Renewables, supporting its commitment to provide green and flexible energy solutions and enhance the company’s capacity to deliver consistent, clean energy to partners in the Baltic states and Poland.

“Umicore is strongly committed to decarbonizing the battery materials supply chain and to achieving its goal of reaching Group-wide net zero greenhouse gas emissions for scope 1 and 2 by 2035. Electricity from renewable sources like wind and solar energy and the securing of long-term power purchase agreements, including the one with Ignitis, are key in reaching our ambitious targets,” said Géraldine Nolens, Executive Vice President ESG and General Counsel at Umicore.

The Silesia WF II is expected to be commissioned by the second half of 2024.

12 October 2023

Ignitis Renewables to build the first offshore wind farm in the Baltic States

Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company, together with its strategic partner, Ocean Winds, will develop the first offshore wind project in Lithuania. This was announced by the National Energy Regulatory Council (NERC) after it finished the screening of the provisional winners regarding their compliance with national security interests.

It is estimated that the 700 megawatt (MW) wind farm, located in the Baltic Sea, could generate around 3 terawatt-hours (TWh) of green electricity per year, which would meet a quarter of Lithuania’s current electricity demand.

“The offshore wind farm we are developing is a significant step towards Lithuania’s energy independence. This project will significantly increase local electricity generation from renewable energy sources and, thus, ensure lower dependence on electricity imports. It is the largest energy project in Lithuania, which will be the first country from the Baltic states to have an operating offshore wind farm,” said Darius Maikštėnas, CEO at Ignitis Group.

According to D. Maikštėnas, as part of its National Energy Independence Strategy, Lithuania has an ambitious goal of covering 100 percent of its electricity needs using renewable energy sources. It is estimated that offshore wind will comprise the largest share of renewable energy sources.

Developing the offshore wind portfolio in Lithuania and the Baltic States is at the core of the updated Ignitis Group’s strategy. This achievement will significantly contribute Ignitis Group’s goal of reaching 4–5 GW installed green generation capacities by 2030.

Following the NERC’s announcement, Ignitis Renewables and partners must set up a joint company in Lithuania within a period of 3 months. The joint venture company will be responsible for managing and implementing the project. The company will be awarded the development and operation permit, granting the right to use the maritime area for electricity generation for 41 years.

A boost to the country’s economy

With billions in investments and new high-skilled jobs, the project will create favourable conditions for the economic development of the coastal region and the country in general.

Besides attracting private investors to Lithuania, creating new jobs, issuing additional orders to local businesses, the offshore development project will also bring benefits to coastal communities. The wind farm developer will be obligated to contribute to the budgets of nearby municipalities based on the electricity generated and supplied to the network, which is estimated to be around EUR 3 million per year.

Focus on protecting the Baltic Sea’s ecosystem during the project’s lifetime

The offshore wind farm will generate low-carbon energy and reduce emissions, so throughout its lifespan it will contribute to mitigating climate change and serve as an example of finding a balance between environmental efforts and clean electricity generation.

To achieve this, Lithuanian and international experts will be consulted throughout all development stages of the project (planning, impact assessment, construction, operation and decommissioning). Additionally all necessary measures will be employed to minimise the impact on birds, sea creatures and their habitats as well as the entire ecosystem of the Baltic Sea.

About the offshore wind project

The maritime area in the Baltic Sea designated for the first offshore wind farm is approximately 120 square kilometres. It is at least 37 km away from the shore, and approximately 60 km away from the Port of Klaipėda. The depth at the maritime area ranges from 28 to 48 metres, and the average annual wind speed there is around 9–10 m/s. The number of wind turbines to be erected there will range from 35 to 50, with a maximum height of around 300–350 metres. These parameters will depend on the findings of studies, the environmental impact assessment, adopted technologies and other conditions.

Offshore wind is much more efficient and reliable for generating electricity compared to onshore wind. At sea, the wind is not obstructed by natural barriers such as trees, mountains or buildings. This makes electricity generation more efficient and reliable. Offshore wind is an especially reliable energy source as green electricity can be generated even when wind speed on the shore seems low.

Based on the currently available information, the capacity, location of the wind turbines, their distance from the shore as well as the sea depth are all suitable for wind energy development and corresponds to the scope and conditions of other offshore wind farm projects in Europe.

23 September 2023

Ignitis Renewables cares about biodiversity and it will carry out a rare study


Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company, is taking additional measures to protect biodiversity in the vicinity of renewable energy projects it manages. The company is carrying out the first study in Lithuania on the environmental impact of green energy plants. Experts will spend three years assessing the changes in flora and fauna at the solar park being built in Tauragė district. The company of Ignitis Group aims to develop best practices and it will apply environmental initiatives in its other projects both in Lithuania and in other countries.

Lina Žibienė, Head of Environment and Permitting at Ignitis Renewables, points out that biodiversity conservation is one of the key objectives of the company’s sustainability strategy. According to the expert, green energy is closely linked to nature and its preservation.

“When we build solar or wind farms, we inevitably have an impact on the environment. That is why it was decided to carry out the first study in Lithuania to identify how the flora and fauna of an area change after a solar park is built. Although green energy is developing rapidly, such studies are not common worldwide. The studies need to be carried out by competent specialists with the knowledge and experience to identify plant species accurately and to assess objectively the age of maturity of the different plant species. Moreover, the study takes time, at least three years,” comments L. Žibienė.

Maintaining biodiversity is a key objective

L. Žibienė hopes that the study, funded by Ignitis Renewables, will help to shape best practices in the operation of solar parks. It is hoped that the findings of the study will be of interest not only to businesses but also to researchers. The data is collected in Lauksargiai eldership, Tauragė district. The area will be used for the development of green energy production through the installation of a hybrid wind and solar park. The wind farms have already been built and a 22 MW solar park is being built next to them.

“Our study will monitor the diversity of flora and fauna: before the power plants are built, while they are in operation, and one year after they start operating. This will help us to see how biodiversity changes when solar power plants are installed and how nature recovers over time. We will also be working on a range of environmental initiatives to see how they help improve the environment,” says the representative of the green energy company.

L. Žibienė says that the environment is most affected during the construction process itself. According to the expert, the soil is compacted by heavy machinery and construction work, which leads to soil erosion. “Construction machinery alters the vegetation, breaking up herbaceous plants and weakening the seed bank deep in the ground. Insects feel the soil degradation. In nature, everything is interconnected, so as insect populations decline, rodents, birds and eventually larger animals find it harder to find food,” says the expert.

Creating favourable conditions for birds and animals

According to L. Žibienė, Ignitis Renewables is looking for ways to build and maintain solar power plants to minimise their negative impact on the environment. The company is also planning voluntary environmental initiatives to improve the state of nature.

“For example, in the hybrid park, we are following best practice principles and putting in place measures to protect biodiversity. We plan to install a fence that will be no more than 2.5 m high and up to 0.5 m above the ground, which will allow small animals to move around freely. The fences surrounding the solar park will be painted in neutral colours. The perimeter of the fenced area will be more than four kilometres, so it has been decided to install 10 single gates so that roe-deer or other animals that accidentally enter the area can escape more safely,” says L. Žibienė about the protection of wild animals.

Another interesting solution is to create perching areas for birds of prey and owls. L. Žibienė points out that the area of the hybrid solar and wind park has a larger population of the Buteoninae, which hunt while perching. Therefore, 13 bird stands will be installed in the area. 

Solar and wind power plants will be surrounded by clover fields

In the area of the solar park, Ignitis Renewables also plans to plant natural herbaceous plants that are specific to that area. According to L. Žibienė, the company wants to test this measure, which is still rarely used in Lithuania, and share its experience.

“We want to prove that green energy can not only repair damage caused by human activity, but also improve the environment. Before, the site was covered with stubble left over from the cessation of farming activities, and low-value weeds. After the construction of the park, we plan to sow a seed mix of grasses specific to the site and specially selected by experts, including ragged-robin, spreading bellflower, meadow pea, and zigzag clover, while the rest will be left to regenerate on their own, i.e. to grow back naturally. It is important to mention that we consult specialists (botanists, ornithologists, etc.) on all the solutions and follow their recommendations. During the operation of the park, the meadow will be maintained and mowed at a time that is favourable for animals and birds, when they are not making nests or laying eggs,” comments the company’s representative.

L. Žibienė reminds that after all of the above-mentioned solutions have been applied, a biodiversity study will be carried out on the site in a year’s time to assess how the flora and fauna have changed during the operation of the solar park. To ensure the quality of the data collected, the study will be carried out by researchers in accordance with strict regulations on research methodology.

Ignitis Renewables will apply all environmental initiatives not only in the park in Tauragė district, but also in its other projects. The information gathered by the green energy company will be freely shared not only with other companies in the energy sector, but also with naturalists and environmentalists.

20 September 2023

Ignitis Renewables is expanding its management team: A. Eslas will lead international business development

A green energy company Ignitis Renewables is expanding its management team. Anu Eslas, an executive with international experience, will oversee international business development at the company. The offshore development specialist started working at Ignitis Renewables on 19 September.

“I believe that A. Eslas joining the management team will contribute to the implementation of a common goal of Ignitis Group and Ignitis Renewables, reaching 4–5 gigawatts (GW) of installed green generation capacity by 2030. We expect to continue the rapid development of our green generation segment, and the experience of the new colleague gained while working in various positions in offshore and onshore business development, international and public relations as well as export, energy and defence sectors will contribute to the successful implementation of our goals,” said Thierry Aelens, CEO at Ignitis Renewables.

A. Eslas will focus on new markets and business development. She will also work to bring the countries surrounding the Baltic Sea closer in the light of the transformation of the energy sector in the region. 

She has many years of experience working in the green energy sector, having worked with offshore wind and international energy cooperation at the Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, as CEO of the Estonian Wind Power Energy Association (EWPA), as head of the Estonian Delegation to NATO Industrial Advisory Group (NIAG) and more.

Most recently, A. Eslas has been working as VP Offshore Wind Development Baltic States at RWE Baltics, a branch of RWE Renewables, where she oversaw onshore and offshore wind development, promoted business development in the Baltics and created strategy for entering the renewables market. RWE Renewables is one of the leading renewable energy companies and the second largest offshore wind developer (in terms of the number of wind farms it manages) in the world.

The offshore development specialist strongly believes that green energy development is crucial in reducing energy prices for consumers, strategically important for energy independence as well as an opportunity for Lithuania to become an electricity exporter.

“I am inspired by Ignitis Renewables’ ambitions in the renewable energy sector, including the ones related to offshore wind development in the Baltic Sea. I am greatly honoured to join the team and lead the international business development front. Together with a team of top professionals, we will form the future of the region’s energy sector and promote sustainable energy solutions internationally,” said A. Eslas.

Currently, Ignitis Renewables is operating in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Poland.

Hybrid power plant

29 August 2023

Ignitis Renewables is building its first wind and solar hybrid power plant

An international green energy company Ignitis Renewables has started the construction of a solar power plant in Tauragė district in Lithuania, near an operating wind farm. This will be the company’s first wind and solar hybrid power plant, which will enable a more effective utilisation of the land and infrastructure.

“Our wind farm has been successfully operating in Tauragė district for over 10 years, and we are currently installing a solar power plant nearby. This will be the first wind and solar hybrid power plant that Ignitis Renewables has built. It will undoubtedly contribute to our and Ignitis Group’s goal to increase our green generation capacity,” said Giedrius Meškelė, Head of Renewable Energy, Lithuania at Ignitis Renewables.

He adds that, by installing and operating the solar power plant, the entire territory and infrastructure will be utilised more effectively. By combining wind and solar power (and with storage technologies on the horizon) hybrid power plants prove to be more economical because the assets may share the infrastructure like roads, and, in some cases, internal electricity networks and substations.

Renewable Energy

G. Meškelė also notes that environmental factors were at the forefront throughout the project’s development. The construction is followed by unique research, which will provide some insight on what impact the solar power plant installation has on nature and biodiversity. Specialists will monitor changes in flora and fauna at the power plant for three years, and later they are planning environmental initiatives in order to establish good practices.

The capacity of the power plant under construction in a 32-ha territory will reach 22 megawatts (MW). Alone, it will power around 13,000 homes. Together with the 25 MW wind farm, they will power around 40,000 households in Lithuania.

The current construction plans include installing solar panels and their mounting structures, laying underground cables. The solar power plant should start operating in 2024.

16 August 2023

Mažeikiai wind farm commenced commercial operations

The first wind farm, built independently in Lithuania by the international green energy company Ignitis Renewables in the Mažeikiai district, has reached the start of its commercial operation. This step brings Ignitis Group closer to implementing its green generation goals. It is estimated that the 63 megawatt (MW) wind farm will help power over 50,000 homes with clean renewable energy.

“Our ambitious goals include increasing Ignitis Group’s green generation capacity 4 times from 1.2 GW in 2022 to 4–5 GW in 2030. Mažeikiai wind farm is the first wind farm we built in Lithuania from the ground up, thus its commercial operations date notes an important milestone in pursuit of these goals,” said Ignitis Group CEO Darius Maikštėnas.

The wind farm commenced commercial operations after the wind turbine supplier Nordex Energy SE & Co. KG transferred over the legal liability of the wind turbines. The wind farm operating in Mažeikiai district comprises 14 wind turbines, 4.5 MW each. The wind farm is now fully operational even though, due to additional work required, legal liability for one of the 14 wind turbines is expected to be taken over in September 2023. The wind farm operates under market conditions without state subsidies or grants.

Since the COD of Mažeikiai wind farm, Ignitis Group’s total installed green generation capacity increased to 1.3 GW (from 1.2 GW). The total investments into this project reach EUR 80–85 million. Over the last 5 years, Ignitis Group has invested around EUR 900 million in renewable energy projects with 70 percent of the investments made in Lithuania.

03 August 2023

Community support project launched by Ignitis Renewables is catching pace: the company invites to be creative

For the second year running, Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company, invites communities of the country living near solar and wind farms to apply for financial support. This year, the value of the support fund in Lithuania is EUR 300,000, which will be allocated to projects developed by communities living close to the company’s facilities. Ignitis Renewables will support sustainable and environmentally friendly initiatives and projects proposed by these communities that can make a significant difference and improve life in the area.

“Close ties with communities where we work together to create a more sustainable world are one of the key principles of our sustainable and responsible operations. That’s why we work closely with local people and businesses to develop both a greener environment and value for the country’s regions. It is very important for us to hear and listen to the needs of communities, to understand their expectations and to contribute to a more sustainable everyday life. Experience and perspectives show that together with local residents we can make a significant difference,” says Emilija Musteikytė, Community Manager at Ignitis Renewables.

Communities are invited to apply for social, educational, artistic, cultural, scientific and sporting projects, as well as for initiatives to improve and develop the social environment, public infrastructure and environmental protection. In order to help communities build a more sustainable everyday life, this year’s priorities also include energy efficiency, renewable energy production, environmental protection, climate change mitigation, social and educational projects aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship, health and other competences.

“We want the communities that live next to our solar and wind farms not only to improve the energy efficiency of their local infrastructure, but also implement projects that are relevant to the community in the areas of environmental protection, green energy and social change. Our aim is to empower our communities to be a part of the green change”, says the Community Manager.

Inspired by good practice

Last year, the company contributed over EUR 80,000 to sustainable projects and initiatives. With this support, the ideas of people living in Mažeikiai, Kretinga, Tauragė and Jurbarkas districts and those living near Ignitis Renewables power plants were implemented. “They were really surprising. The communities’ projects were inventive, sustainable, original and innovative,” the Community Coordinator at Ignitis Renewables told.

When asked what examples of successful cooperation she could share, she named a few. Pikeļiai community in Mažeikiai district used the support to renovate and adapt their community centre to meet the needs of travelling pilgrims. The financing received is expected to help to attract more tourists and generate additional income for the community.

According to E. Musteikytė, another interesting project was proposed by the Vydmantai community. It has installed solar-powered luminaires in its leisure and bathing area. Meanwhile, the Dainiai II village community in the Jurbarkas district has also upgraded its street lighting to be more cost-effective and more responsive to the safety and comfort needs of its residents.

All ideas are welcome

According to E. Musteikytė, there are lessons to learn from the experience of other countries. For example, Belltown Power, a renewable energy company, also worked closely with a local community when building its Tirgwynt wind farm in central Wales.

This partnership has made it clear that the region’s educational institutions need support. The company contributed to the construction of a new school building, saving it from closure. Now a large number of local schoolchildren visit the wind farm every year.

Thus, community projects and initiatives can take many forms – they can be educational ones. Ignitis Renewables and the #EnergySmartSTART programme in Tauragė are currently running an educational activity “Green Colour of Wind”. This is a local community project that invites tourists from all over Lithuania to an educational activity where they can learn about energy, measure the wind speed or virtually climb to the top of the wind farm.

Educational activities also bring schoolchildren and their teachers to some of the country’s largest wind farms in the region. Here they have integrated lessons in geography and physics. Pupils are told engaging stories about electricity and how it travels to their homes. In groups, they can also assemble and test the operation of power plants and play with artificial wind to generate electricity for their own model power plants. Pupils also try out virtual goggles to look around the inside of the power plant, climb up its gondola and admire the landscape from 120 metres high.

“This example shows that communities can receive support for a wide range of needs. Whether it’s to improve education, save energy or reduce electricity bills. That’s why we are open to all ideas. If your community needs more efficient lighting solutions, energy-saving devices in cultural or public facilities, information boards in places of interest, innovations in sports grounds, put forward our proposals and let’s work together to create a more sustainable future,” E. Musteikytė urged.

Support may be granted for social, educational, artistic, cultural, scientific and sporting projects (excluding extreme and high-risk sports), for the improvement and development of the social environment (including public infrastructure), and for environmental protection projects.

To receive support, communities must complete and submit an application. All the rules for applying for and using the support are available on the company’s website.

02 August 2023

Myths debunked: what drives the decision to pursue a career in the Lithuanian energy sector?

Do our employers really pay low wages? Is it possible to get a job Lithuania without connections? Are women really paid less here? These questions were asked during the traditional summer event of the international professional network Global Lithuanian Leaders at the end of July. A discussion initiated by the international green energy company Ignitis Renewables took place, where Lithuanians from all over the world and foreigners working in Lithuania shared their authentic experiences and debunked some myths about working in the energy sector in Lithuania.

“The global network of Lithuanians brings together not only professionals in many fields, but also a friendly community that contributes to the growth of the Lithuanian economy, so discussions about opportunities to work in Lithuania are important and relevant to them,” says Marija Šaraitė, CEO at Global Lithuanian Leaders. According to her, this year’s professional networking event attracted more than 120 participants from 24 countries around the world, from Mexico to New Zealand. “Most of them are high added-value professionals who have not cut their ties with Lithuania and are ready to contribute to interesting and country-glorifying projects around the world when the opportunity arises,” says M. Šaraitė.

During the event, participants had the opportunity to listen to a discussion initiated by Ignitis Renewables on the myths about getting a job in Lithuania. The main conclusion was that although our country has not yet caught up with the UK or the Netherlands in terms of salaries, Lithuania is not far behind in terms of nature, working environment and management.

The main myths

As the discussion participants acknowledged, most of the myths are related to fears about the transparency of the recruitment process. Margaux Tamašauskas, Legal project manager at Ignitis Renewables, said that her new friends in Lithuania suggested that she should not even try to apply for a job in the energy sector after coming from France.

“Some people I know tried to convince me that the only way to get a job in the energy sector is through connections. In my case, it was the other way around – I was accepted as a professional in my field,” says M. Tamašauskas, who has a PhD in energy law and has worked in Paris for five years. According to her, in her native France, where she pursued her career, young professionals are often looked down upon and have to face many stereotypes. “I was pleasantly surprised to find a team in Lithuania that is motivated, goal-oriented and respects every opinion, regardless of gender or age,” says M. Tamašauskas.

The second myth, that salaries in Lithuania are lower and specialists are valued less than their competence is worth, was refuted by another participant of the discussion – Liudas Karalius, Product Owner at SoliTek. After about five years in the Spanish energy sector, he chose to continue his career in Lithuania and has no regrets about his decision.

“The technology industry in Lithuania, including energy, already boasts competitive salaries, and the choice is often determined not only by salary but also by quality of life. Being in your own environment, among family and friends, surrounded by beautiful nature, with forests and lakes nearby, makes you feel much happier,” says L. Karalius. He says that working with green energy, which is changing the whole of Lithuania, making it cleaner and more sustainable, is even more motivating.

Equal opportunities are important

Gerda Krasauskė, who has spent almost 17 years building her career in the UK, says that the equal opportunities situation in Lithuania has also changed rapidly in the six years she has been working there. She says that in one of the workplaces where she worked before joining Ignitis Renewables, she was the first female head of department, which was still unusual in the Lithuanian energy sector a few years ago.

“For a long time, energy has been perceived as a male-only field, but recently more and more professionals are turning to energy and see the prospects in it,” says G. Krasauskė. The myth that men in Lithuania are paid more than women in equivalent positions is also fading, she says. “I used to believe stereotypes about the lack of diversity in leadership positions in Lithuanian companies, but those stereotypes were quickly disproved,” says G. Krasauskė.

Ieva Augustinaitė, who spent almost ten years working in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is also inclined to dispel the myth that Lithuania still has Soviet-era management traditions. Ieva, who currently works as an investment analyst at Ignitis Renewables, makes no secret of the fact that there were doubts about whether her values and those of her employer would match.

“Working in Amsterdam gave me an impression of what a professional working environment, values, and psychological climate in organisations should be like, so there was no shortage of anxiety. When I came back to Lithuania, I saw that employees have freedom of ideas, a flexible working environment and working hours, and that managers are open and willing to help, demonstrating talent and competence,” says I. Augustinaitė. According to her, the reduced stress and improved work-life balance also help to compensate for the income gap caused by starting in a new position in Lithuania.

01 August 2023

Ignitis Renewables and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners entered a partnership to participate in Estonian and Latvian offshore wind tenders

A renewables-focused integrated utility Ignitis Group’s subsidiary Ignitis Renewables and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners’ (CIP) New Markets Fund I have signed an agreement to collaborate exclusively on offshore wind opportunities in Estonia and Latvia and intend to jointly bid in the upcoming offshore wind tenders in these countries. The partnership leverages Ignitis Group’s leading market position in the Baltic region and CIP’s global offshore wind expertise. 

Estonia’s adoption of a legal framework for offshore wind site allocation has paved the way for the utilization of extensive offshore wind potential. Meanwhile, Latvia continues to advance the development of legislation to realize their vast offshore wind potential. Ignitis Renewables and CIP aim to become an active and long-term partner for the energy transition in the Baltic region, supporting Estonia and Latvia’s decarbonization targets and energy security ambitions through the deployment of offshore wind. 

The companies will support efforts to develop an offshore wind industry in Estonia and Latvia, focusing on the establishment of a local knowledge hub and workforce to boost employment opportunities in this growing sector. Maximizing local economic benefits is key to establishing a solid foundation and sustainable investment environment. 

“We see the Baltic States as leaders of renewable energy in the future and Ignitis Group is set to lead this regional transition. A strategic partnership with CIP, the world’s largest dedicated fund manager within greenfield renewable energy investments and a global leader in offshore wind will allow us to be on strong footing as we develop offshore projects in Estonia and Latvia”, said Darius Maikštėnas, CEO of Ignitis Group. 

He added, “In the updated long-term corporate strategy of Ignitis Group, which was presented in May this year, we describe the energy sector as an ecosystem and our commitment to maximise sustainable value. Thus, we are updating our purpose, which is creating a 100 percent green and secure energy ecosystem for current and future generations. Our strategy focuses on delivering 4–5 GW of installed green and flexible capacities by 2030.” 

“With today’s announcement, we are taking an important step in contributing to a sustainable and secure energy future for the Baltic region through our New Markets Fund. Alongside our local partner Ignitis Group, one of the largest renewable energy generators in the Baltic region, CIP aims to explore opportunities that tap into Estonia’s and Latvia’s substantial growth potential across renewable technologies including Power-to-X. CIP believes offshore wind has the potential to play a critical role in both nations achieving their targets and transforming the Baltic region into a long-term, self-sustained green energy hub”, stated Ole Kjems Sørensen, Partner in CIP and Head of the New Markets Fund. 

About Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners 

Founded in 2012, CIP today is the world’s largest dedicated fund manager within greenfield renewable energy investments and a global leader in offshore wind. The funds managed by CIP focus on investments in offshore and onshore wind, solar PV, biomass and energy-from-waste, transmission and distribution, reserve capacity, storage, advanced bioenergy, and Power-to-X. 

CIP manages 11 funds and has to date raised approximately EUR 25 billion for investments in energy and associated infrastructure from more than 140 international institutional investors. CIP has approximately 400 employees and 11 offices around the world. 

27 July 2023

Ignitis Renewables: the next generation will be building the green future

The purpose of international green energy company Ignitis Renewables is to facilitate the green generation breakthrough in the region. This breakthrough is critical for our mission to mitigate climate change, conserve nature and ensure energy security in the region. The company’s strategy foresees consistent development of wind and solar generation capacities, but it requires a new generation of professionals. 

“While developing green energy capacities, we are increasing Lithuania’s energy independence and promoting renewable energy sources. However, our activities require competences, and there’s a shortage of them not just in Lithuania but throughout Europe. Therefore, we are encouraging young people to choose energy studies and work together while solving climate issues and working towards sustainable development goals,” said Božena Petikonis-Šabanienė, Head of Human Resources, Baltics and Poland at Ignitis Renewables. 

Ignitis Renewables is implementing the strategic goal of Ignitis Group of reaching 4–5 GW of installed green generation capacity by 2030. This goal aligns with the goal of the European Green Deal to become climate-neutral continent by 2050. It is estimated that working towards these goals will create around 2,500 new jobs for green energy specialists over a decade, and 1,500 of the jobs will be in the offshore sector. 

“The competition among the companies developing renewable energy projects is growing in intensity, including their efforts to win over top talent. The current evolution of the energy sector is similar to what was happening in the IT sector 20 years ago. The traditional energy system used to be simple as the energy was generated, supplied and then consumed but recently the energy sector has been growing more and more complex as it’s being integrated in the economy through technologies and innovations,” said B. Petikonis-Šabanienė. 

According to the representative of Ignitis Renewables, the current energy sector involves a variety of professions, from electrical or AI engineers to HR, communications, environmental or EV expansion specialists. People often choose the energy sector as it aligns with their values. It engages you and keeps you going. And it also challenges you as you need not only the knowledge but also leadership skills and a vision of the future. 

According to Božena, Ignitis Group employs around 4,000 specialists working in 75 different professions. “Besides, we don’t even know some of the professions that will be necessary in the future, so a young person has every chance to contribute to the green transition, find meaning in their work and bring something of value to the world, where we live and where the generations after us will live,” underlines B. Petikonis-Šabanienė. 

According to the Ignitis Renewables Head of Human Resources, this is the reason why companies took upon themselves to promote education. The initial results of their efforts have surprised them. The company participates in the #EnergySmartSTART programme. It’s a programme for students and anyone who is interested in the energy sector. Energy companies that support the programme are implementing various initiatives, organise excursions, meetings with professionals, establish special scholarships, introduce people to career opportunities in the energy sector. 

We are already seeing the first results of the programme. Students are now perceiving the energy sector more favourably. A lot more Lithuanian residents, including students, see career perspectives in the energy sector.  

At the initiative of Ignitis Group, KOG Institute for Marketing and Communication Sciences has conducted a survey, and it showed that 72 percent of the respondents see career perspectives in the energy sector, which 5 pp higher than last year. 61 percent of the surveyed university students and 58 percent schoolchildren see the energy sector as attractive in terms of career opportunities. Compared to last year, their favour towards the sector has increased by 8 percentage points. 

10 July 2023

Ignitis Renewables and Ocean Winds are provisional winners of Lithuanian offshore wind tender

Ignitis Renewables, a subsidiary of a renewables-focused integrated utility Ignitis Group, together with the strategic partner Ocean Winds (OW) submitted the highest development fee at the tender for the 700 megawatt (MW) Lithuanian offshore wind project and are expected to be announced as the provisional winners of the tender for the development of power plants in the maritime area. The bid price was EUR 20 million.

The tender organiser, Lithuanian National Energy Regulatory Council (NERC), introduced a real-time bidding concept, where the bidders competed by offering the highest development fee. Based on the tender procedures, the provisional winner is due to be confirmed by NERC, which oversees the process, no later than the next day after the real-time bidding process has closed. The provisional winner will be announced as the final winner of the tender by the organiser at the beginning of the third quarter of 2023, following the completion of the screening for compliance with national security interests.

“One of Lithuania’s and, in turn, Ignitis Group’s most significant projects for achieving energy independence is offshore wind projects in the Baltic Sea. These projects will dramatically increase the amount of electricity produced from renewable resources, lowering Lithuania’s reliance on electricity imports and guaranteeing affordable electricity for all residents and businesses”, said Darius Maikštėnas, CEO of Ignitis Group.

“Developing an offshore project portfolio in Lithuania and in the Baltics are cornerstones of our newly released updated Ignitis Group strategy, this potential award is the next big step in Ignitis Renewables delivering on the strategic goal of Ignitis Group to deliver 4–5 GW of installed renewables capacity by 2030”, said Thierry Aelens, CEO of Ignitis Renewables.

“We are proud to accompany our partner Ignitis Renewables in unlocking the offshore wind opportunities of the Lithuanian market”, said Bautista Rodriguez, CEO of Ocean Winds.

Following successful compliance with the national security interests screening procedure, Ignitis Renewables and OW will be required to set up a joint company, which will be awarded the development and operation permit that will grant the right to use the maritime area for 41 years.

The maritime area for the offshore wind farm development is located at approximately 30–36 kilometres from Lithuania’s Baltic Sea coast, covering an area of roughly 120 square kilometres. Once operational until the year 2030, the 700 MW offshore wind farm is expected to generate up to 3 terawatt-hours (TWh) of green electricity per year, which would meet up to a quarter of Lithuania’s current electricity demand.

03 July 2023

Ignitis Renewables is to allocate nearly EUR 300,000 for local communities in Lithuania

An international green energy company Ignitis Renewables is continuing sustainable and close cooperation with communities that are located near the renewable energy projects in operation, under construction and under development. From the beginning of July till the end of August communities are welcome to submit applications to receive financial support. This year Ignitis Renewables is planning to allocate up to EUR 300,000 for local communities in Lithuania.

“Partnership with local communities is the basis of sustainable development of Ignitis Renewables. We care about the environment we work in, and so we are open to suggestions on how we could create a more sustainable world together. We want for our renewable energy projects in operation and under construction to create value for the entire region, local communities and business. Partnership based on mutual trust is important to us, so we try to listen to the needs of local communities and find opportunities for sustainable cooperation,” said Giedrius Meškelė, Head of Renewable Energy, Lithuania.

He stressed that Ignitis Renewables is a trusted partner that cares about local communities. “This year we want to invite the communities located near our renewable energy project to take advantage of this opportunity and improve their environment, infrastructure, learn more about environmental protection and green energy,” encouraged Giedrius Meškelė.

Communities have already taken advantage of the financial support

In 2022 Ignitis Renewables has granted financial support to 9 communities located near already operating wind farms in Mažeikiai, Kretinga, Tauragė and Jurbarkas districts. Over EUR 80,000 were allocated to communities.

“Examples of successful utilisation of financial support show that communities are getting active and creative in an effort to utilise the financial support we provide every year. We believe that the examples of successful cooperation will also encourage new communities to apply for financial support,” Emilija Musteikytė, Community Manager at Ignitis Renewables, shared her good experiences.

She said that a project was implemented in Dainiai village, where the lighting infrastructure of the main street was renewed. Under the initiative of Lauksargiai village community Lauksargiškiai electrical installations were replaced at their house of culture. Public infrastructure was improved at Rotuliai village, the community was happy with the restored outdoor stairs next to their meeting place.

The communities from Vydmantų gymnasium in the Kretinga district have drafted projects and applied for financial support, and this year nets for catching balls have been installed at the sports field, and lighting solutions that are charged using solar energy have been installed at the Vydmantai leisure and swimming area.

An energy education programme and educational excursions related to wind energy have been started in Tauragė

“People in Tauragė actively participate in energy education programmes. #EnergySmartSTART programme has already launched two educational projects there. One of them is educating students about energy efficiency, green transition, and the other one is educational excursions related to wind energy. They encourage people to become energy smart as well as create new jobs, boost tourism,” said Emilija Musteikytė.

It has become increasingly important to consume energy responsibly to mitigate the negative impact on the nature and climate. Yet, the lack of relevant knowledge and skills to use energy efficiently can be noticed in the actions of younger generations, and this topic does not necessarily have a place in our education

26 June 2023

Ignitis Renewables signed an agreement to acquire a wind farm project in Kelmė district

Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company that aims to increase clean energy generation capacity and implement new projects in Lithuania, has signed a conditional sale and purchase agreement with E energija for the acquisition of 100% of the shares in its two companies developing an onshore wind farm in Kelmė district.

“This is another important step in expanding our portfolio of wind farm projects in Lithuania and increasing our green generation capacity. We are moving rapidly towards the strategic goal of the entire Ignitis Group to increase green generation and reach 4–5 GW of installed capacity by 2030,” says Thierry Aelens, CEO at Ignitis Renewables.

The first phase of the wind farm has already reached the construction stage, and the capacity of the wind farm in Kelmė district should reach up to 300 MW while electricity generation should start in 2025. Expected investments, including the acquisition price and construction costs, should reach around EUR 550 million. The project will be developed in two phases and Ignitis Renewables will oversee the construction of the wind farm after the transaction is closed.

The wind farm is expected to generate enough clean energy to power around 250,000 households in Lithuania.

According to the CEO of Ignitis Renewables, wind is an inexhaustible resource that enables the production of clean energy, which contributes to reducing the air pollution and slowing down the climate change. Wind farms also contribute to the country’s energy security and reduce fossil fuel imports.

“We started the wind farm project in Kelmė more than 5 years ago and we are proud that in the hands of Ignitis Renewables one of the largest wind projects currently under construction in Lithuania will make a significant contribution to Lithuania’s quest for energy independence,” says Gediminas Uloza, CEO of E energija group, which develops and builds wind, solar, and hybrid wind farms in Lithuania and in neighbouring countries.

Lithuania, which is implementing its National Energy Independence Strategy, has an ambitious target of covering 100% of the country’s electricity needs using renewable sources. Wind energy is therefore playing an increasingly important role, and, in the long term, wind farms are expected to cover more than half of Lithuania’s electricity needs.

Ignitis Renewables operates in the three Baltic states and Poland. It is responsible for onshore and offshore wind, solar, biomass and waste-to-energy projects. Ignitis Renewables currently operates five wind farms in Lithuania: in Jurbarkas, Kretinga, Tauragė, and Mažeikiai. It also operates one wind farm in Poland and another one in Estonia.

15 June 2023

Ignitis Renewables: five facts about wind turbines on the occasion of Global Wind Day

Hundreds of thousands of people work in the wind energy sector around the world, but wind energy is still a mystery to many. That’s why Global Wind Day is celebrated every year on June 15 to discover the benefits and potential of wind energy to change the world. Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company that produces energy from wind, presents five facts about wind power generation.

“Wind is one of the renewable energy sources that generate sustainable and green electricity. It is an inexhaustible resource allowing to produce clean energy, which helps reduce air pollution and slow climate change. Wind farms also help to ensure Lithuania’s energy security and reduce fossil fuel imports,” says Paulius Kalmantas, Communications Partner at Ignitis Renewables.

The spokesperson points out that wind turbines are manufactured in different shapes and sizes to convert wind energy into electricity, but the most common design is three blades mounted on a horizontal axis. They can be mounted in a wide variety of locations: on hills, in open areas, attached to the seabed, while floating turbines may be installed in deep water.

Wind is one of the largest sources of renewable energy today

In Europe, wind energy is one of the most advanced in the world. According to the European Wind Energy Association, wind energy accounts for around 17 percent of the European Union’s electricity demand.

According to Mr Kalmantas, Lithuania is among the leaders on the old continent, but there is room for improvement. According to the Lithuanian Wind Power Association, last year the electricity produced by wind plants accounted for 13.5 percent of Lithuania’s final electricity consumption.

“Lithuania has an ambitious target of generating 100 percent of the country’s electricity needs from renewable sources. Wind energy is therefore playing an increasingly important role, and in the long term, wind turbines should produce more than half of Lithuania’s electricity needs,” says P. Kalmantas.

Wind energy is good for the environment

Wind energy is clean, free, and readily available everywhere in Europe. Wind turbines do not emit greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) – the main cause of climate change – or any other air pollutants which affect our health. Wind energy’s water footprint is close to zero, unlike most other forms of electricity generation.

Wind farms can easily feature alongside agriculture and other human activities.

Wind energy is a strategic industry

“Wind energy does not need to be imported from other countries, and the more we use it, the closer we get to true energy independence. Every new turbine reduces our energy imports and the risk of fossil fuel price volatility. It also helps reduce our electricity bills,” says the spokesperson for Ignitis Renewables.

Wind farms bring huge economic benefits to the country. They create jobs and attract investment.

Wind energy is sustainable

“Along with many benefits for the climate, our energy security, the environment, and society as a whole, wind energy is sustainable. Wind turbines are made of standard materials like concrete, steel, and composite materials for blades,” states P. Kalmantas.

The wind industry and its supply chain are working to develop resource-efficient and sustainable materials, such as low-carbon steel and recyclable composites for blades.

The standard lifetime of a wind farm is around 25-30 years, with the lifetime of some wind turbines being extended to 35 years or longer. This can be achieved by upgrading the components of wind turbines. Wherever possible, wind farms are repowered by replacing old turbines with new ones.

Wind turbines can be recycled

When wind turbines reach the end of their life, wind farm developers take them down and restore the site to its pre-existing condition. Around 90 percent of a wind turbine’s total mass can be recycled. Most components of a wind turbine – the foundation, tower, and nacelle components – go through established recycling practices.

According to Mr Kalmantas, the remaining non-recyclable mass of the wind turbine mostly consists of the turbine blades. Because they are made of composite materials, they’re more difficult to treat than concrete or steel. But many solutions exist, and the wind industry is working to make them fully recyclable.

Currently the wind industry prioritises the reuse of decommissioned blades. This means repairing and upgrading them to extend their lifetime, or fitting them to other wind turbines. Old blades can also be reused for new purposes such as playgrounds, cycle shelters or small urban infrastructure.

Ignitis Renewables is an international green energy company operating in the three Baltic states and Poland. Its objective is to develop onshore and offshore wind, solar energy, biomass and waste-to-energy projects. Through the development of new projects, the company is pursuing the strategic goal of the entire Ignitis Group to achieve 4-5 GW of installed green and flexible power capacity by 2030.

03 May 2023

A favourable wind is blowing for wind farm development in Lithuania, but there are still plenty of challenges

While working towards their climate goals and increasing their energy independence, countries are focusing more and more on one of the most perspective forms of energy generation, which is wind generation. Active wind farm development is attracting investors at a rapid rate. Edgaras Maladauskas, a representative of Lithuanian Wind Power Association, and Božena Petikonis-Šabanienė, Head of Human Resources at Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company, are talking about potential challenges.

According to the representative of Lithuanian Wind Power Association Edgaras Maladauskas, Lithuania is implementing very ambitious wind farm projects. The tender for the development of the first offshore wind farm in Lithuania was announced at the end of March, and the tender for a second Lithuanian offshore wind farm is planned in autumn. The two wind farms with a combined capacity of up to 1.4 gigawatts (GW) are expected to start operating in the territorial sea of Lithuania by 2030, and they should generate up to 6 terawatt-hours (TWh) per year. It would cover half of the current electricity demand in Lithuania.

“Installing them would be an important step towards renewables-only energy sector in Lithuania. It is only natural that the projects of such scale are met with certain challenges, which multiplied due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the economic uncertainty. Similar challenges can be observed throughout the world, including rising prices, supply chain and logistical issues, technical issues related to limited grid capacities,” said E. Maladauskas.

He adds that Lithuania also has unique challenges related to legal framework and regulation. Finally, it should be highlighted that there’s a shortage of specialists required for wind energy development. This acute problem is very important in Lithuania since over the last year engineering studies did not attract much attention and interest from young people.

According to E. Maladauskas, the renewables industry will attract even more investments and create more attractive jobs. More and more professionals will choose developing renewables as their future. He underlines that currently the energy sector is mostly short on engineers with technical knowledge and skills.

Thousands of future jobs are already here – investments are being made into professionals to fill those positions

The European Green Deal explicitly states that the competitiveness of countries will depend on their ability to attract the competences necessary for the green energy sector. Therefore, it’s important to make sure that young people become interested in energy. Božena Petikonis-Šabanienė, Head of Human Resources, Baltics & Poland at Ignitis Renewables notes that the shortage of required specialists is one of the factors limiting the development of renewables. On the other hand, specialists who choose energy or engineering studies have a huge potential to get a well-paid job.

“It is a challenge as well as an opportunity. These opportunities are also closely associated with the values of the next generation. Children and students are starting to recognise their importance and value. Although they still sometimes lack understanding that the implementation of such goals is possible by taking very specific steps, which is choosing a profession related to the energy sector. That’s why we started the #EnergySmartSTART programme last year to introduce Lithuanian children and students to the modern energy sector, career opportunities and to encourage them to choose related professions,” said B. Petikonis-Šabanienė.

There’s plenty of opportunities

B. Petikonis-Šabanienė notes that the modern energy sector, including wind generation, is based on advanced technologies and innovations. Those technologies and innovations will play the deciding role while striving for climate neutrality and climate change mitigation, which is affected by human activity. For example, currently there’s a lot of work being done in the development of accumulation and storage solutions necessary to store the energy generated by wind farms and solar parks.

“Working in the green energy sector allows you to directly contribute to solving global problems. It is meaningful as well as interesting work, and it also offers wide growth opportunities. Additionally, the energy sector is vital to all, so professionals in this sector, despite the job market trends in the future, will always remain relevant and in demand,” said B. Petikonis-Šabanienė.

According to Eurostat, the environmental economy, including the green energy sector, in 2020 in the EU had 5.1 million jobs and generated EUR 828 billion in revenue. The employment and added-value indicators of the green energy sector in the EU are rising more rapidly compared to the rest of the economy.

21 April 2023

Financial close achieved for Moray West offshore wind farm

Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company owned by Ignitis Group, announces that Moray West offshore wind farm project, located in the Moray Firth, Scotland, has secured £2bn of non-recourse project finance and reached financial close.

The project is owned by Ocean Winds, a joint venture between ENGIE and EDP Renewables dedicated to offshore wind, and by Ignitis Renewables as a minority shareholder of 5 percent.

“Taking a stake, albeit small, in the Moray West project allows Ignitis Group and in turn Ignitis Renewables to gain experience and valuable know-how in offshore wind project development in other countries, which will be used to develop offshore wind energy in Lithuania,” said Darius Maikštėnas, CEO of Ignitis Group, adding that Ignitis Renewables, together with Ocean Winds, is currently preparing for the first auction for offshore wind in Lithuania.

Financial close allows the Moray West offshore wind farm project to secure the remaining elements of supply chain activity in preparation for installation works in later 2023. The project’s estimated installed capacity is 882 MW and it will have 60 wind turbines, 14.7 MW each, which will be supplied by Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy.

Moray West offshore wind farm will rely in majority on corporate power purchase agreements (CPPAs) for the commercialisation of its output. CPPAs were signed for more than 50 percent of the project’s output. Furthermore, a long term indexed contract for difference (CfD) was secured for a third of the expected output.

The project is set to be generating full power by 2025 and will produce an equivalent of about 30 percent of all energy consumption in Lithuania.

20 April 2023

Ignitis Renewables launches scholarship fund in Latvia

International green energy company Ignitis Renewables is promoting the studies in Latvia that are strategically important to the energy sector, and this year it will grant EUR 30,000 for scholarships for master’s students in energy. Together with the funds, the company is also introducing Latvian students to the #EnergySmartSTART programme, successfully operating in Lithuania for two years, which is relevant to students and everyone who is interested in energy.

Renewable energy enables the energy smart world. Ignitis Renewables has a goal to facilitate green generation breakthrough in the region. This breakthrough is the core of the company’s mission, which is to mitigate climate change, conserve nature and ensure energy security in the region.

“While developing green energy capacities, we are increasing our energy independence and promoting renewable energy sources. However, all these activities require competences we lack today, not just in Lithuania and Latvia but throughout Europe. Therefore, we are encouraging young people to choose energy studies and work together while solving climate issues and towards sustainable development goals,” said Božena Petikonis-Šabanienė, Head of Human Resources, Baltics and Poland at Ignitis Renewables, during a wind energy conference in Riga.

Ignitis Renewables manages four wind farms in Lithuania; its two other wind farms are located in Poland and Estonia. Currently, the green energy company is also developing new wind farm projects in Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. “Latvia is a part of our home market, where Ignitis Renewables is actively expanding its activities and sees great growth opportunities, but it requires a new generation of specialists. Perspective studies is the beginning of a successful career, and grants for student scholarships only facilitate better conditions to strive for the best results,” underlined the Head of Human Resources at Ignitis Renewables.

Ignitis Renewables supports the #EnergySmartSTART programme, which is directed towards schoolchildren, students and anyone who is interested in energy. Energy companies that support the programme are implementing various initiatives, organise excursions, meetings with professionals, establish special scholarships, introduce people to career opportunities in the energy sector.

During an international conference, representatives of Ignitis Renewables expressed a symbolic commitment to Latvian students who choose energy engineering or electrical engineering studies. “We hope that this is just the beginning, and the grant for scholarships will also encourage other companies in Latvia to invest into the new generation of energy experts,” said B. Petikonis-Šabanienė.

18 April 2023

B. Lāce is going to lead Ignitis Renewables’ expansion in Latvia

An international green energy company Ignitis Renewables, which is a subsidiary of Ignitis Group, is continuing their expansion in Latvia. The growing team is joined by Baiba Lāce, an executive with extensive business development experience. B. Lāce will start the role as a Head of Ignitis Renewables Latvia on 19 April and the initial task will be implementing the renewable energy business expansion strategy in the local market.

“Latvia is a part of our home market, where Ignitis Renewables is actively expanding its activities and sees great growth opportunities. A third of our total project pipeline is in Latvia. It’s natural that, by planning such a large expansion, we want to form a strong team of local professionals,” stated Thierry Aelens, CEO at Ignitis Renewables.

Within the coming years, Ignitis Renewables is planning to invest around EUR 700 million in Latvia. Most of the investments will be directed towards wind and solar energy. The wind farms and solar parks under development should start generating electricity starting from 2025.

“Today it’s never been clearer that we must generate greater volumes of green energy. We believe that Latvia has a great potential, and I will do everything to meaningfully contribute with my skills and experience to the effective operation of the company and development of new projects in my country,” said the new Head of Ignitis Renewables Latvia.

B. Lāce has an extensive experience in business and strategy development. Up until now she worked as a Board Member and Head of Administration at waste management and recycling company Grindplast, and previously she has worked as a CEO at Teikas Pasts, a company providing courier, delivery and transport logistics services.

The new Head of Ignitis Renewables Latvia will be responsible for a separate branch of the company and will be authorised to develop business based on the company’s strategy and lead local specialists. Green energy projects are planned for many years in advance, that’s why it will be equally important to develop and implement greenfield solar and wind projects while popularising green energy ideas.

Ignitis Renewables manages four wind farms in Lithuania, and its two other wind farms are in Poland and Estonia. Additionally, the company is developing around 400 MW of renewable energy projects. Currently, the company is developing new wind farm projects in Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. The company develops new projects in pursuit of Ignitis Group’s strategic goal to reach 4 GW installed green generation capacity in the Baltic region by 2030.

07 February 2023

Members have been selected for a new term of Ignitis Renewables Board

Newly selected Board members of Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company, start a four-year term today.

Ignitis Renewables Board comprises of three members: two representatives delegated by the shareholder of the company and one independent Board member. On 7 February 2023, the shareholder of the company – Ignitis Group, approved the new Board composition.

Jonas Rimavičius, Ignitis Group Managment Board Member and CFO, will supervise M&A affairs. Jonas Rimavičius is a strategic-level finance professional, who has experience working in collegial bodies of companies, international capital raising and investment projects.

Vidmantas Salietis, Ignitis Group Managment Board Member and Head of Group Commercial Activities, will supervise strategy and commercial affairs. Vidmantas Salietis is a professional with over a decade of experience in top-level positions in the energy sector.

Peter Overgaard will serve as an Independent Member and supervise renewable energy and engineering affairs. Mr Overgaard has extensive international experience in business development, energy technologies and project management. He is also the CEO of an international energy solutions company Danstoker Group. He previously held managerial positions in companies like Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy and Aalborg Engineering.

Ignitis Renewables manages renewable energy projects in the Baltics and Poland and is responsible for effective operation of wind farms, supervision of projects under construction and development of new ones. While developing new wind and solar generation projects, the company is implementing the strategic goal of Ignitis Group to increase its Green Generation portfolio.

28 November 2022

More energy professionals join Ignitis Renewables

International green energy company Ignitis Renewables continues to expand further and attracts even more energy experts – senior engineering professional, Duncan Barker, with over 15 years’ experience in the international energy sector, starts as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at the company’s head office in Vilnius.

“I am truly privileged to join a great team of skilled and enthusiastic professionals to cooperate in expanding renewable energy projects across all the Baltic countries and in Poland. This region has huge potential for renewables and my goal as CTO is for Ignitis Renewables to fulfill this potential in a technically robust and cost-effective manner. My goal is to utilize my experience to bring international best practice to projects being developed by Ignitis Renewables,” says Duncan Barker.

“The Ignitis Renewables team continues to expand, and our goal is to attract as many international energy professionals as necessary to meet our main target of 4 GW of installed green generation capacity by 2030. We are delighted that Duncan has joined, with his international experience in project development and renewable technology, to help us move faster towards our goal,” says Thierry Aelens, CEO at Ignitis Renewables.

Dr. Barker brings global experience of a diverse range of energy sector projects and technologies into Ignitis Renewables. This includes hydrogen, onshore and offshore wind, solar PV, biomass-fired plants, biogas, energy from waste, biofuel production, hydropower, geothermal power, gas-fired power, carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) and High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC).

Since the beginning of this year, the Ignitis Renewables team has doubled from 31 to 71 employees. The company is now actively hiring even more energy professionals: engineers, environment and permitting project managers, business development managers and many more.

25 November 2022

Ignitis Renewables acquires wind farm project in Lithuania

International green energy company Ignitis Renewables signed an agreement to acquire 100% of shares of the company developing an onshore wind farm in Lithuania. This decision was approved by Ignitis Group’s management board. The wind farm will be situated in Plungė region, Nothwest of Lithuania, with a total installed capacity of up to 218 megawatts (MW), with total expected investment of around EUR 300 million.

“With this transaction, we are strengthening our presence in the domestic market in Lithuania and expanding our green generation capacity, accelerating our progress towards the Group’s ultimate goal of achieving 4 gigawatts (GW) of installed green generation capacity by 2030,” says Thierry Aelens, CEO at Ignitis Renewables.

The project is at an early development stage. The company, which is developing wind park, has already started the environmental impact assessment of the project. It is planned that commercial operations could start in a period of 2026-2030.

With this project, Ignitis Group’s portfolio of green generation projects in operations, construction and development reaches 4.8 GW, of which 1.2 GW in operations and 3.5 GW – under construction or development. Out of total pipeline under construction and development, around 2.2 GW is in Lithuania.

30 September 2022

Ignitis Renewables acquires onshore wind farm project in Poland

Ignitis Renewables signed an agreement to acquire 100% of shares of the company developing an onshore wind farm in Poland. The total capacity of the wind farm Silesia II is up to 137 megawatts (MW). The project is currently at an advanced stage of development with an estimated completion in the second half of 2024.

The turbines at the new wind farm will be provided by a long-term partner of Ignitis Renewables, an international turbines manufacturer Nordex. Total preliminary investments, including the acquisition price and the construction cost, amount to around EUR 240 million. The completed wind farm will operate under market conditions. On top of that, Silesia II is in the vicinity of Silesia I, another under construction wind farm project of Ignitis Renewables, which enables synergies between projects.

“Silesia II will help us improve our position in the neighbouring markets even further and bring us even closer to the target set in the Ignitis Group’s strategy of reaching 4 gigawatts (GW) installed green generation capacity by 2030. I am grateful to our Lithuanian and Polish colleagues for concluding yet another transaction which is significant to the entire Group,” said Thierry Aelens, CEO of Ignitis Renewables.

The closing of the transaction is expected to take place over the next several days, no separate announcement will be made. The acquisition is a significant step forward towards the Ignitis Group‘s objective to reach 4 GW of installed Green Generation capacity by 2030 as set out in the strategy.

Ignitis Group is already operating 1.2 GW portfolio of green generation and has renewable projects pipeline of around 2.5 GW, including Silesia 2.

20 September 2022

Ignitis Renewables starts cooperation with Södra Group

International green energy company Ignitis Renewables and international forest industry concern Södra signed their first construction right agreement for the development of a wind farms in Latvia. With this agreement Ignitis Renewables and Södra start their cooperation.

“Wind farms provide renewable energy that powers homes and businesses all over the globe. Wind power can help you save money, reduce your carbon footprint, and helps fight climate change. Latvia is a strategic market for Ignitis Renewables, and we see great potential here. We are already developing projects in Latvia, currently about 500 MW, and we are looking to increase our portfolio to make a meaningful contribution to the EU climate neutral goals,” says Erika Ščiogoleva, CEO at Ignitis Renewables Latvia.

“Wind farms are renewable sources of energy that do not emit greenhouse gases or other air pollutants. That’s why we are proud to be a part of the projects who contribute towards a better sustainable world. We are confident that our cooperation will lead to great results in the nearest future,” says Lars-Georg Hedlund, Managing director at Södra Latvia.

Södra was founded in 1938 and is the largest forest-owner cooperative in Sweden, with a membership of 53,000 forest owners. Södra is also an international forest industry Group, with 31000 employees around the world. Balancing production efficiency with nature conservation guides everything that Södra does. Södra use every part of the tree and produce timber products, pulp for paper and textiles, and green energy. Södra is a world-leading producer of market pulp and owns one of the largest sawmill operations in Europe. Through value-generating relationships and a long-term approach, Södra is leading the way for the future of sustainable forestry.

18 August 2022

Ignitis Renewables became member of World Forum Offshore Wind

Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company, has become a member of the World Forum Offshore Wind (WFO), the only organization 100% focused on the promotion of offshore wind globally. It is registered as a non-profit organization in Germany with offices in Hamburg, Tokyo, Taipei, and New York. WFO’s international members represent the entire offshore wind value chain, including utilities, manufacturers, service companies and other non-profit organizations.

WFO’s unique global profile facilitates access to governmental and international forums to open new offshore wind markets and advocate for the global growth of offshore wind energy. The organization was established in 2018 and currently has 93 global members.

Next year, Ignitis Renewables plans to participate in the first ever Lithuanian tender for the construction of offshore wind turbines in the Baltic Sea. WFO membership allows to further expand the circle of potential partners and suppliers, access to a wide range of offshore wind-related information, significantly increase the visibility of the Ignitis renewables brand and participate in global offshore wind events.

27 July 2022

Ignitis Renewables is initiating the construction of the second wind farm in Poland

An international green energy company Ignitis Renewables is announcing its next significant project milestone in Poland – it has signed a contract and initiated the construction of the wind farm in Lower Silesian Voivodeship. Installed capacity of the wind farm will be 50 megawatts (MW), and the total investments will reach approx. EUR 70 million.Wind farm to start generating first electricity at the end of 2023, and estimated production is expected approximately 122 gigawatt-hours (GWh) per year.

In Poland company already owns a wind farm in Pomerania, with a total capacity of 94 MW, and is developing an 80 MW solar power plant portfolio as well as 150 MW greenfield projects.

“The new wind farm in Poland will contribute to the Group’s Green Generation portfolio and will contribute to the reduction of electricity price in the region. It is important to note that the investments of Ignitis Renewables in other markets do not affect the electricity price in Lithuania, but generate profit, which returns to Lithuania in the form of dividends,” said Thierry Aelens, CEO of Ignitis Renewables. According to him, an estimated total return on equity of the project aligns with the return policy of the Group for such projects communicated previously, which is high single-digit, low double-digit.

The construction works of the new wind farm in south-western Poland, near the border with Czech Republic will be carried out by CJR Renewables, a company with extensive experience in onshore wind farm constructions. This contractor also constructed another wind farm of Ignitis Renewables with 94 MW capacity in Pomerania, which launched at the end of last year. It is one of the largest wind farms in Poland and first project of its kind for Ignitis Group in the country.

The wind farm located in Bakow will have 14 3.6 MW wind turbines manufactured by an international turbine manufacturer Nordex. The scope of the project’s schedule ranges over a year. CJR Renewables is currently constructing other wind farms in Peru, Columbia and Portugal.

“With this project, we are strengthening our position in Poland and contributing to Ignitis Group’s goal of delivering the best results from renewable energy projects. A relationship based on trust and commitment that spans many years can only be built by working together,” says Bartosz Sobolewski, Regional Manager of CJR Renewables.

Ignitis Renewables own four operational wind farms in Lithuania, one operational wind farm in Poland and one in Estonia. The entire Green Generation portfolio of Ignitis Group, including operational assets, assets under development and under construction, amount to 1.4 GW.

14 July 2022

Ignitis Renewables secured grid connection capacity for 252 MW solar park in Lithuania

International green energy company Ignitis Renewables has secured grid connection for a 252 megawatt (MW) installed capacity solar park in the Jonava district, Lithuania. Preliminary, Investments are estimated to reach up to EUR 200 million. 

Ignitis Renewables, which is owned by Ignitis Group, on 13 July has signed a letter of intent with electricity transmission system operator Litgrid to secure grid capacity in Jonava region for connection of 252 MW installed capacity solar park which is under development.

“Secured grid capacity for the solar power plant which is under development is an important achievement for the entire Ignitis renewables team and a significant milestone as the Group continues to implement its ambitious green generation portfolio expansion. This project is the largest greenfield investment project developed by us so far. Furthermore, in the future we see an additional development potential in this location. The ability to produce electricity from different renewable energy sources increases the energy independence of the country, helps to solve the challenges of climate change and achieve the goals of sustainable development,” says Thierry Aelens, CEO of Ignitis Renewables. 

The solar park is planned to be constructed and start generating electricity by 2025. The park should operate under market conditions. Project implementation also requires receiving over the next few months a permit to develop the electricity generation capacity from National Energy Regulatory Council (NERC). 

Ignitis Renewables is a green energy company operating in the Baltic states and Poland. It is responsible for developing onshore and offshore wind, solar energy, biomass and waste-to-energy projects and their further management. The company develops new projects in pursuit of Ignitis Group’s strategic goal to reach 4 GW installed green generation capacity by 2030. The Group’s total onshore wind and solar greenfield projects portfolio now is around 650 MW.

13 June 2022

The outline of another wind farm of Ignitis Renewables is becoming clearer

A significant milestone has been reached in a wind farm in Mažeikiai constructed by an international green energy company Ignitis Renewables. Key components, such as turbines, rotors (rotating parts of the turbines) and the longest components – blades, 72 meters in length and weighing around 21 tonnes – are being delivered to the construction site. The installation of the components will start this month, which is another important milestone in the construction of the wind farm. A tower crane, which is 174 m tall, will be used in the process. The crane used for unloading and installation works was delivered for this purpose from Croatia.

Components of 14 wind turbines are impressively large and are transported from the port of Klaipėda to the construction site during the night to minimise the impact on the traffic in Klaipėda and the region. This logistics operation, which took several months, was prepared, and coordinated well in advance with several companies taking part in it, such as component manufacturers, representatives of an international company Nordex Lithuania, specialists of a Polish logistics company NAVIGATOR working together with the local company Fulmennwhile cargo handling services in the port were performed by Klaipėdos Krovinių Terminalas.

“The delivery of all wind turbine components is still in progress and in parallel the contractor is already starting to install the first wind turbines on site,” said Giedrius Meškelė, Head of Renewable Energy, Lithuania Region at Ignitis Renewables, when commenting on the progress.

14 wind turbines with a total capacity of 63 MW are being erected at the wind farm constructed by Ignitis Renewables. Mažeikiai wind farm is being built in pursuit of a strategic goal of Ignitis Group to significantly expand, up to 4 GW, its green generation portfolio within the next eight years.

The wind farm located in Mažeikiai region, in the vicinity of villages Juodeikėliai and Palūšė, should be installed and tested by the end of this year, and green electricity should be supplied from the start of the next year. The total planned investments into the wind farm are over 80 million euros.

Ignitis Renewables owns four operational wind farms in Lithuania with a total capacity of 58 MW. Another 18 MW wind farm is in Estonia, and the largest wind farm owned by the Group, a 94 MW Pomerania wind farm in Poland, has generated first electricity last year. Last year the Group has also signed conditional agreements to acquire three wind farms in Latvia. The total capacity of these farms amounts to 160 MW.

07 June 2022

Ignitis Renewables builds Lithuania’s first hybrid solar and wind park

International green energy company Ignitis Renewables is initiating the development of a solar park in Tauragė region. The State Energy Regulatory Council(NERC) has issued a permit for the development of electricity generation capacity in the vicinity of an existing wind farm.  

According to Thierry Aelens, CEO of Ignitis Renewables, the project opens wider opportunities to use the infrastructure and the land managed by the company more efficiently. “A 10 megawatt (MW) wind farm has been successfully operating in the Tauragė region for over 10 years, and now we will establish a solar park next to a currently operational wind farm. This first solar-wind hybrid park in the history of Ignitis Group will contribute to the Group’s goal of further expanding its green production,” says Thierry Aelens. 

The capacity of the planned solar park should reach 22 MW. This will be enough to cover the electricity demand of around 13,000 Lithuanian households. The solar park is estimated to launch by 2024.

Ignitis Renewables manages four wind farms in Lithuania; its two other wind farms are in Poland and Estonia. Currently, new wind farm projects are also being developed in Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. 

30 May 2022

More international professionals join Ignitis Renewables

Gary Bills, who has more than 15 years of experience in renewables, will lead Ignitis Renewables wind and solar energy projects. The renewable energy professional from the UK has broad knowledge and intricacies of developing and constructing renewable energy projects. Additionally with such a long time in the renewable energy sector he has developed an ability to build business relationships that guarantee long-term partnerships and business growth.

“We are delighted that more and more renewable energy professionals from all over Europe are attracted to joining our international team. Gary Bills’ expertise is essential to achieve Ignitis Group’s key strategic goal of reaching 4 gigawatts (GW) of installed green generation capacity by 2030. We are expanding further and continuing our search for international professionals who will contribute to the historic transformation of the energy sector,” says Thierry Aelens, CEO of Ignitis Renewables.

Over the last few years, Gary Bills has worked as Project Director in Morocco, Ghana, Japan, Asia, the UK as well as Ireland, Sweden, the Balkans, the USA, Ukraine, Argentina and Mexico. He spent 6 years in renewable energy consulting and has worked for Nordex, one of the world’s largest wind turbine manufacturers.

At Ignitis Renewables, Gary Bills will take up the position of Chief Operating Officer for wind and solar development from 30 May and will be responsible for the preparation of the Lithuanian offshore wind project in the Baltic Sea, which will start next year, with a maximum capacity of 700 megawatts (MW) as well as for the identification and development of other wind and solar projects.

“The Baltic countries have a significant untapped potential for additional renewable projects at scale. My role will be to ensure Ignitis is ready to take on the challenge of developing these  projects and recruiting the potential. I believe that my team we will achieve success and to build a good track record that we can be proud of,” says Gary Bills.

In March, Thierry Aelens was appointed as CEO of Ignitis Renewables, an international energy company. He has unique experience in developing offshore wind energy projects and has been directly involved in the implementation of more than 5,000 MW of renewable energy projects. He is an experienced top-level manager with experience in business development, large project implementation, engineering, and offshore wind farm construction.

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