2026-02-09
Record Breakthrough in Renewable Electricity Generation
Over the course of one year, the installed capacity of wind and solar power plants in Lithuania increased by 1.7 GW. This exceeds the total installed capacity of all renewable electricity producers in Lithuania at the end of 2022. On average, almost 5 MW of wind and solar capacity was connected every day in 2025.
By the end of last year, the combined capacity of wind and solar power plants had reached 5.5 GW. Less than four years ago, when new regulations for connecting to electricity networks were introduced, this capacity did not even reach 1 GW.
Ignas Junevičius, Head of the Renewable Energy Resources Centre at Litgrid
According to preliminary data, electricity generated by local power plants accounted for 74% of Lithuania’s electricity demand in 2025, with the remaining 26% covered by imports. By comparison, in 2022, only 33% of the country’s electricity demand was met by power plants operating in Lithuania.
Several factors have contributed to the rapid development of renewable energy in Lithuania: strong investor activity in solar and wind generation and energy storage, a supportive legal and regulatory framework, state support for electricity producers, and favorable conditions for connecting large commercial projects to the electricity transmission grid.
We are currently witnessing a transformation of the market. On some days last year, wind and solar power generation already exceeded electricity consumption, and there will undoubtedly be even more such days—possibly weeks or even months—this year. High renewable generation significantly reduces market prices during periods of strong solar and wind output, while also increasing the need for balancing services.
Further development of solar and wind power in Lithuania will depend on three key factors: the pace of energy storage deployment, growth in electricity consumption, and increased electricity trading capacity with other countries.
Storage Facilities
Investors in Lithuania are rapidly developing hybrid renewable energy parks with storage facilities, as well as standalone battery systems. Taking both transmission and distribution networks into account, the installed capacity of battery systems operating in Lithuania has already reached 535 MW.
Last year, we connected the first two private battery storage systems to the transmission network, and at least 10 more are expected to be connected this year.
The expansion of storage facilities will reduce balancing costs for producers and limit price volatility in the wholesale electricity market, creating favorable conditions for the further development of solar and wind power plants.
Interconnectors
Another important catalyst for renewable energy development is interconnection with other countries, which expands electricity export opportunities.
Litgrid is currently implementing measures to increase the capacity of the Lithuania–Poland LitPol Link interconnection by using ancillary services to ensure frequency stability. By the end of 2026, export capacity to Poland could reach 350 MW, increasing to 500 MW in 2027. Once the Harmony Link onshore interconnection becomes operational, electricity trade capacity between Lithuania and Poland is expected to reach up to 1,200 MW in both import and export directions.
Together with the Latvian transmission system operator AST, Litgrid is also strengthening electricity connections between Lithuania and Latvia. With the construction of new transmission lines, the modernization of existing ones, and the development of the Darbėnai–Panevėžys corridor, cross‑border trading capacity is expected to increase from 1,250 MW to 2,250 MW by 2035.
In addition, transmission system operators in Lithuania, Latvia, and Germany are currently planning a new 2 GW offshore electricity interconnection, which could be implemented after 2035.
Consumption
It is commonly stated that peak electricity demand in Lithuania reaches around 2 GW. However, during the cold spell this January, new records were set repeatedly, reaching up to 2.5 GW.
Growth in electricity consumption can be attributed to the increasing use of electricity for heating, the expanding fleet of electric vehicles, railway electrification, and rising industrial demand. In the near future, planned industrial expansion, the development of data centers, and further railway electrification are expected to significantly increase electricity demand, creating additional opportunities for renewable energy development.
