Lithuanian Government Introduces €15 Million Scheme to Support the Development of Remote Solar Power Plants

The Lithuanian government has recently introduced a forward-looking €15 million funding scheme aimed at promoting the development of remote solar power plants. This initiative, led by the Ministry of Environment, seeks to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy among households and businesses while deliberately excluding energy producers from its scope.

Funding for Solar Power Projects in Lithuania

The funding will be allocated through a competitive process, with the Ministry setting maximum funding limits for each category. For residential and non-residential buildings, the funding will not exceed €1,300 per kW, while non-residential buildings may receive up to €1,100 per kW. To prevent large projects from monopolizing the available funds, the funding for non-residential projects will be capped at €200,000 per entity. It is worth noting that the support will be provided retroactively, meaning funds will be disbursed after the project is completed and verified. Throughout the competition process, the Ministry of Environment will ensure transparency by publishing specific application procedures and deadlines.

Impact of Solar Power Parks on Residential and Commercial Properties

The €15 million funding is strategically divided into two segments: €5 million for residential buildings and €10 million for non-residential properties. This allocation is designed to ensure that both sectors benefit significantly, encouraging widespread solar energy adoption across various types of real estate. The initiative for residential properties aims to make solar energy financially more accessible, thus reducing household electricity costs. For the commercial sector, it helps businesses and institutions lower operational costs while increasing their contribution to environmental sustainability. This step aligns with Lithuania’s broader strategy to transition to a low-carbon economy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Increased Energy Capacity from Lithuanian Solar Power Plants

The Ministry of Environment reports a significant rise in the number of energy producers in Lithuania—those who both consume and generate energy. By the end of 2023, there were over 80,000 producers with a total installed capacity of 1,000 MW. This substantial increase highlights the effectiveness of the government’s efforts to promote renewable energy and the growing public support and understanding of the long-term benefits of solar technologies. The installed capacity is equivalent to that of a large traditional power plant, emphasizing the potential of distributed renewable energy systems to meet a significant portion of the national energy demand.

Lithuanian Solar Parks and National Renewable Energy Goals

Lithuania has ambitious plans to achieve 3 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, with solar power playing a central role in this vision. The support for remote solar power plants is a crucial part of the strategy to decentralize energy production, making renewable energy more accessible to all segments of society. Remote solar parks offer distinct advantages compared to traditional on-site installations. They enable optimal land use and resource management, as panels can be installed in areas with maximum sunlight exposure without urban constraints. This opportunity helps increase solar energy production to meet Lithuania’s renewable energy ambitions. Furthermore, by developing remote solar parks, the government addresses urban space limitations, ensuring broader participation in the transition to renewable energy.

Application Process and Timeline for Lithuania’s Solar Power Park Support Scheme

The Ministry of Environment is preparing to announce the application process for the new funding scheme, providing detailed eligibility criteria, deadlines, and additional relevant information. Future applicants are encouraged to prepare their projects and gather the necessary documentation to facilitate a smoother application process. The Ministry is committed to providing recommendations and support to maximize applicants’ chances of securing funding, ensuring that the initiative can benefit a wide range of participants—from small households to large enterprises. The €15 million funding scheme is expected to attract significant interest in both the residential and commercial sectors, playing an essential role in guiding Lithuania toward a sustainable energy future.

To learn more about the development of solar energy in Lithuania, you can explore the Lithuanian Solar Energy Program and discover the largest solar power park in the country.