In line with the adopted Law, this objective will be achieved by consistently increasing the diversity of energy sources in the transport sector, imposing obligations on fuel suppliers regarding the supply of fuel from RES, increasing the scope of the use of advanced biofuels, promoting the use of electricity in transport, developing the infrastructure for alternative fuels, increasing the number of clean vehicles registered in the Republic of Lithuania, and setting the necessary requirements for public procurement in the transport sector.
According to the initiators of the Law, fuel and energy consumption in the transport sector is constantly increasing, while the share of RES in transport is particularly low. It accounted for as little as 4.3 % in 2018. Moreover, according to the drafters of the Law, advanced biofuels are not used, the system for biofuel blending control in Lithuania is insufficient, while infrastructure for the use of alternative fuels is underdeveloped.
The Law will impose obligations on natural gas suppliers in the fuel and transport sectors. Each calendar year, renewable fuels will have to account for an increasing share of the total energy value of petrol and diesel placed on the domestic market by the fuel supplier. The said share will have to be gradually increased from 6.8 % to 16.8 % between 2022 and 2030. The share of advanced biofuels and/or non-biological liquid and gaseous fuels from RES will also be consistently increased in the share of fuels from RES.
The Law stipulates that biogas and non-biological gaseous fuels from RES will account for an increasing share of the total energy value of natural gas made available on the domestic market by the suppliers of natural gas in the transport sector. It will have to increase from 4.2 % to 16.8 %, respectively, between 2025 and 2030.
The Seimas also decided to establish the provision that, from 2024, palm oil, recognised as posing a high indirect risk of land-use change, will no longer be considered as biofuel.
Starting from 1 January 2029, all public passenger transport by road, including taxis and vehicles used by individuals providing ride-sharing services, will have to be adapted for use of alternative fuels.
The new provisions provide clear guidelines for the use of vehicles powered by alternative fuels and for the development of the associated infrastructure. For example, the Law provides that, by 2030, a total of 60,000 electric vehicle charging stations must be installed, of which 6,000 should be public and semi-public.
It is planned to provide financial support for purchasing electric cars as well as installing and renewing the infrastructure necessary for charging them, right until the day when one in ten passenger cars in Lithuania is powered by electricity.
Considerable attention will be devoted to the freight transport sector: the network of natural gas filling points will be expanded, purchase of gas-powered vehicles will be promoted, and the use of fuel from renewable energy sources will also be ensured.
The Law on Alternative Fuels was adopted by 115 Members of the Seimas voting in favour and 9 abstentions.
