Energy and environment of Lithuania

Panel: Panel 5: Energy Policy for a Sustainable Environment

Author:
Vytautas Guzys, Ministry of Energy, Energy Agency of Lithuania

Abstract

A reliable and safe energy supply at acceptable social costs and with minimal environmental damage is one of the most important conditions for an effective operation of a modern economy.

Today technical and institutional structure of the Lithuanian energy sector inherited from the past does not ensure acceptable social costs and minimal environment damage. Two years analysis has led us to feel the need for optimal formulas and goals evaluating not merely economic but also some subjective factors related to the need to better utilise the generating capacities existing in Lithuania to avoid social and political problems, which could arise when ƒ decommissioning the first unit of the Ignalina State Nuclear Power Plant.

By Lithuanian energy strategy the most cost--effective measure for reducing generous emissions is to substitute natural gas in combined heat and power plants and condensing power plants. In addition, combustion controls and low NOx burners are recommended for the largest power plants and district heat/steam boilers, a considerable reduction of the share of heavy fuel oil in the forecasted Lithuanian energy balance, use of renewable energy and of energy savings potential will soften the environment problems related with the energy sector. Desulphurisation of 011 products at an upgraded refinery could serve as an important favourable inflame upon environment.

Upgrading of the monitoring network for radioactive discharges at the Ignalina NPP, environmental auditing at the Lithuanian Power Plant and larger combined heat and power are needed. Realisation of Lithuanian National energy strategy, created by help of specialists analysts from developed countries will create conditions to verify their tools into development economy in transition.