'By promoting the production of clean and environmentally friendly technologies, we are proposing changes that reduce excessive requirements and bureaucracy for priority "zero-balance technology" and "critical raw materials" projects. These changes would complement the adopted 'Investment Highway' legislative package, which creates particularly attractive conditions for investments in strategic EU sectors in Lithuania. By implementing these amendments, we aim to establish Lithuania as a centre for developing and producing these technologies in the region,' says the Minister of the Economy and Innovation, Lukas Savickas.
The goal of Lithuania and the entire EU is to strengthen Europe's competitiveness and resilience in order to produce 40% of the 'zero-balance technologies' required by the global market. This would promote technological progress and the efficient use of resources while reducing the supply risk associated with 'critical raw materials'.
The government-approved changes propose the use of the 'one-stop shop' principle for strategically important green projects, with the aim of issuing permits more quickly and providing consultations on possible financing for these projects. The changes also aim to create opportunities to develop experimental regulatory environments ('sandboxes').
It is also proposed that Invest Lithuania, a public institution, become the main contact point to assist with and coordinate the permit issuance process for zero-balance technology production and critical raw materials projects.
The Innovation Agency would be responsible for publishing information on how to submit such projects on its website and, where necessary, for creating a regulatory sandbox for zero-balance technologies.
These changes are being made in accordance with EU regulations.
'Net-zero technologies' are technologies that emit fewer greenhouse gases into the environment. Projects for producing such technologies are important for ensuring a sustainable energy supply and increasing industrial competitiveness.
'Critical raw materials' are essential for the economy and strategic sectors, but their supply may be limited or dependent on other players in the value chain. They are difficult to replace, so supply disruptions can significantly impact industry, technological development and the economy.
