25-04-2024

US supports Lithuania's energy independence aspirations

Cooperation towards energy independence and decarbonisation of the energy sector, the application of innovative solutions to achieve these goals, and assistance to Ukraine in providing urgent assistance to rebuild its energy sector were discussed during a meeting between the Minister of Energy, Dainius Kreivys, and the US Assistant Secretary of Energy for International Affairs Andrew Light. 

“This is a special year for us, as we are in the final stages of synchronisation with the European electricity grid, which will allow us to achieve full energy independence. The next step is to update the National Energy Independence Strategy and lay a solid foundation for the establishment of a national energy sector capable of self-sufficiency,” said Mr Kreivys.  
U.S. Assistant Secretary of Energy Andrew Light thanked Lithuania for its efforts to raise the issue of ending the import of energy resources from the aggressor country in European and other international formats.

The meeting focused on the issue of assistance to Ukraine. The Minister of Energy reaffirmed Lithuania's full readiness to provide all possible support to Ukraine in its efforts to rebuild energy facilities damaged by Russia. 
“This summer and the coming winter season will be particularly challenging for Ukraine. We are in constant contact and providing all possible support to help Ukraine prepare for the coming winter season as much as possible,” said Mr Kreivys.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of Energy Andrew Light expressed his strong gratitude to Lithuania for its strong solidarity and full commitment to help Ukraine. He also noted that the issue of assistance to Ukraine is a top priority for the U.S. This is confirmed by the approval yesterday, after lengthy negotiations, of a package of military assistance to Ukraine by the two opposing political parties.
On bilateral cooperation, the U.S. side expressed its readiness to support the further goals of Lithuania and the other Baltic States in achieving energy independence through the project of synchronisation with the continental European grids. 

Both sides also welcomed the successful and sustainable bilateral cooperation that has been ongoing for several years. 
“We welcome the ongoing bilateral cooperation and are interested in continuing it bilaterally, particularly in the field of scientific solutions and innovation, with a view to the decarbonisation of the energy sector and its protection against cyber and physical threats”, said Andrew Light. 

Bilateral cooperation between the U.S. and Lithuania is currently very active and productive. The Ministries of Energy and the U.S. Department of Energy have agreed to cooperate on research on renewable energy development. The agreement also provides for cooperation on strengthening the resilience of energy infrastructure to cyber threats and the impacts/damages of climate change. 

In addition, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is currently developing a data-driven model and a forecasting tool for the transition of the Lithuanian energy sector to 100% green energy consumption in the most cost-effective and socially beneficial way. It will contribute to Lithuania’s goal of energy self-sufficiency and a transition to 100% renewable energy, while strengthening the country’s economic sector and improving societal well-being.