Lithuania’s Ministry of Energy is submitting to the Government a package of draft laws aimed at creating a clear and transparent regulatory environment for the development of wind energy in the Baltic Sea, foreseeing the auction to take place in 2023.
“Legislation has been developed taking into account the experience of the EU countries which have the most extensive knowledge in the area of wind energy as well as the recommendations of the working group,” said the Energy Minister Žygimantas Vaičiūnas. “This legislation will create a clear and transparent regulatory environment for the development of offshore wind energy and ensure a level playing field for all tenderers.”
Taking into account the practice of countries with the greatest experience in offshore wind energy, such as the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany, it is foreseen that the electricity transmission system operator should be responsible for the installation of transmission grids by connecting offshore power plants.
The law will introduce a support model for offshore wind energy and the principles of its determination. As in other European Union countries, wind energy development will be financed using a contract for difference model.
The 700 megawatts (MW) wind farm in the Baltic Sea will help to meet up to 25 per cent of Lithuania’s annual electricity demand and reduce electricity import.
Offshore wind will not only help to achieve the targets of the National Energy Independence Strategy for increasing the share of renewable energy generation but also, due to the specifics of offshore wind, will allow achieving these target in one of the most effective ways.
