12-04-2024

Geopolitical energy issues discussed with US representatives

Supporting the energy sector of Ukraine, our energy independence, the development and security of the regional energy infrastructure, energy innovations, and the influence of third countries on the development of the sector were the main topics of the meeting between Minister of Energy Dainius Kreivys and Geoffrey R. Pyatt, Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources of the U.S. Department of State. United States Ambassador to Lithuania Kara C. McDonald also attended the meeting. 

“In Ukraine, the energy sector is on the front line of the war – the aggressor is deliberately destroying infrastructure that is vital to the population. Half of energy infrastructure of Ukraine is currently damaged. Lithuania is committed to continue supporting the energy sector of Ukraine,” said Minister of Energy Dainius Kreivys. According to the minister, experts from Lithuania and Ukraine are currently coordinating a new support package and will aim to organise the transport of tools and equipment as soon as possible. 

Mr Pyatt, Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources of the U.S. Department of State, thanked for our efforts and actions to eliminate and limit Russian energy resources in Europe. 

“It is great that you are striving for energy independence by increasing your own electricity generation and seeing your future with the European grid and setting an example in the region. There have been many new challenges recently that require new, quick and decisive solutions,” said Mr Pyatt, the representative of the U.S. Department of State. According to him, it is important that the era of dependence on Russian gas does not become a stage of dependence on Chinese technology. 

Physical and cyber protection of energy infrastructure is now a new recent challenge, which was discussed during the meeting. 

Minister Kreivys recalled that the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL), a laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy, is working on a real data model and forecasting tool for the Lithuanian energy sector as it moves towards 100% green energy consumption. It will contribute to Lithuania’s goal of energy self-sufficiency and transition to 100% renewable energy.

The modelling study is being prepared in the framework of the Agreement between the Ministry of Energy and the U.S. Department of Energy on cooperation in research on renewable energy development. The Agreement also provides for cooperation on strengthening the resilience of energy infrastructure to cyber threats and climate change impacts (damages).