The contribution of the Energy Efficiency Centre to the energy efficiency policy in Lithuania

Panel: Panel 1: Assessment of Energy Efficiency Policy

Author:
Vygintas JARASUNAS, Lithuanian Energy Agency

Abstract

The Energy Efficiency Centre was created as a division of the SC Energy Agency of Lithuania in 1995 by the Ministry of Energy and started functioning in 1996.

The Energy Efficiency Centre provides: information and advice on energy saving possibilities in Lithuania; promotes energy efficiency throughout the energy cycle; undertakes energy audits in the buildings sector and industry. EEC is a platform for national and international activities in the field of energy efficiency. The main target groups are: households; public authorities, municipalities; industry. In 1998 the EEC already implement the first awareness campaign in Lithuania. After that the public profile of the EEC has been raised immensely. They are now seen as a reliable provider of information and advice.

In 1999 the Energy Efficiency Centre together with Danish experts have carried out energy audits in 20 Lithuanian companies. On the basis of these simple walk through energy audits and statistical information, the energy consumption and saving potential for the Lithuanian industry has been estimated. The main document that outlines energy efficiency policy is the National Energy Efficiency Programme.

This Programme of year 2000 includes a number of activities in agreement with the Strategy and law above connected to the Energy Efficiency Centre's working areas:

to carry out energy audits in industry, to evaluate received results of existing situation;
to prepare the recommendations for implementation of quality system management in industry;
to organise seminars and conferences regarding the effective usage of energy in industry;
to prepare training courses for energy managers and auditors in industry;
to organise awareness campaigns for general public on energy efficiency in households.

The National Energy Efficiency Programme 2000 has very grand aims but there are few resources and people to carry it out. The Energy Efficiency Centre is one of the implementing bodies, which have gained important international experience.