The updated National Energy and Climate Action Plan is submitted for consultations

After the public consultation on the National Energy and Climate Action Plan for 2021–2030 (NEKSVP) conducted last year and the feedback from the European Commission, the Ministries of Energy and Environment have prepared an updated document and are submitting it again for public and social partner consultation until August 5.

The NEKSVP is the action plan for implementing the National Climate Change Management Agenda and the National Energy Independence Strategy, aligning with the goals of the "Green Course."

"The updated National Energy Independence Strategy adopted by the Seimas outlines clear strategic directions and ambitious energy goals. Future energy will be sustainable and nature-neutral. Therefore, the action plan includes active development of renewable energy sources, green hydrogen production, and climate-neutral technologies, infrastructure installation, and investments in innovation. The majority of investments in the plan will be directed towards energy transformation," says Energy Minister Dainius Kreivys.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Lithuania is on the right track to achieve the national goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 21% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. Currently, 120 measures have been approved in the climate sector of the NEKSVP, with an additional 43 planned, and in the energy sector, 66 measures with 35 additional ones.

The measures aimed at achieving ambitious goals are balanced and cover various areas. These include the implementation of advanced technologies, the use of renewable energy sources, infrastructure improvement and development, and a strong focus on increasing the availability of financing for businesses and promoting changes in public behavior. The planned measures will not only contribute to climate change mitigation goals but will also strengthen the country's economic competitiveness and the society's ability to adapt to climate change challenges.

"The updated National Energy and Climate Action Plan includes measures that will enable us to achieve decarbonization goals. These will not only help avoid financial penalties, which could cost the state around 1.4 billion euros if no action is taken on climate change but will also positively impact the country's GDP, import-export balance, and employment," said Environment Minister Simonas Gentvilas.

Preliminary calculations suggest that more than 31 billion euros in public and private funds will be required to implement all the measures outlined in the NEKSVP by 2030. Over 10 billion euros in public investments have already been planned, which will attract more than 7 billion euros in private investments for the green transformation. The largest share of investments is planned for renewable energy, transport, and industry sectors. To finance NEKSVP measures from 2021 to 2030, an additional 3.8 billion euros in public funds will be required, with energy-related measures making up 81.71%.

It is worth noting that the Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment (SEIA) report for the updated NEKSVP is also submitted for consultation. The documents can be reviewed here, and comments and suggestions can be submitted by completing the form here. The public consultation on the final updated NEKSVP and the SEIA report will run until August 5.

The updated NEKSVP sets a clear foundation for the implementation of energy and climate policies, creating conditions to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, promote the production and use of renewable energy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and their removal across all economic sectors. The NEKSVP also aims to increase energy efficiency and energy security, promote the internal energy market, scientific research, innovation, and competitiveness.