At the Office of the Government, Prime Minister G. Paluckas and Minister of Energy Žygimantas Vaičiūnas discussed the report's insights and Lithuania’s energy policy objectives with the head of the agency, including the impact of geopolitical factors on global energy, and the importance of support for Ukraine.
“We are grateful to the International Energy Agency for its constructive and supportive cooperation in helping us pursue Lithuania’s fundamental goal of energy independence. We have synchronised our electricity system with continental Europe, completely eliminated Russian energy sources, are investing in renewable energy infrastructure, and remain ambitious – safe and sustainable electricity at consumer-friendly prices is a top priority on our agenda. By 2028, we aim to generate more electricity from renewable sources than the country’s total annual consumption. The IEA’s recommendations on this path are extremely valuable,” said Prime Minister G. Paluckas.
The Prime Minister added that the report is valuable not only for its insights and recommendations but also for affirming that Lithuania is moving in the right direction.
“The IEA review confirms that the energy independence we have achieved is the result of firm and decisive strategic decisions, and that we are on the right track. We have taken bold action to strengthen our security, and are now focusing on building a cleaner, smarter, and more resilient energy system. The recommendations provided help us assess our progress even more precisely and highlight four especially important areas we must focus on – system resilience, electrification, predictability, and flexibility. These aspects are key to building a modern and reliable energy system that can withstand crises, respond to consumer needs, and be based on cutting-edge technological solutions,” said Minister of Energy Žygimantas Vaičiūnas.
The conversation emphasised Lithuania’s focus on ensuring the resilience and security of its energy system – a goal also being pursued by a government commission chaired by Prime Minister G. Paluckas.
Support for Ukraine, whose energy infrastructure has been a deliberate target of Russian attacks since the start of the full-scale invasion, was highlighted as crucial for millions of the country’s civilians. G. Paluckas thanked the IEA Director for the organisation’s role in supporting Ukraine’s energy sector, while F. Birol stressed the importance of Lithuania’s contribution in this regard.
The IEA’s review of Lithuania’s energy sector is the first since 2021, when Lithuania was officially invited to become a member of this international organisation. Established in 1974, the IEA aims to ensure collective energy security, coordinate energy policy, and promote cooperation in the energy sector. It advises member countries on energy policy and provides data and in-depth analysis on the energy sector, energy markets, and technologies.
