Lithuania has established a dedicated working group to oversee the strategic development and implementation of its offshore wind energy goals. The group, chaired by Gabriel Gorbačevskis, Energy Adviser to the Prime Minister, underscores the nation’s commitment to harnessing the vast potential of offshore wind.

The creation of this working group is particularly timely, as Lithuania recently, on June 9, launched its second auction for a 700 MW offshore wind farm. As Gorbačevskis noted on LinkedIn, offshore wind is a “flywheel of the modern economy,” promising not only to strengthen energy independence but also to generate long-term value across multiple sectors.

The group’s goal is to reduce risks for developers and ensure a coordinated, well-thought-out, and forward-looking development of the entire offshore wind ecosystem.

The working group’s mandate is comprehensive and includes:

  • Monitoring the progress of both the first and second offshore wind farms.

  • Proposing updates to the legal framework to align with this emerging industry.

  • Coordinating activities among various institutions to streamline development.

  • Addressing key challenges that arise during project development.

After the second auction is completed, the winning developer will join the group, promoting open and collaborative oversight.

The establishment of the working group coincides with ongoing discussions in the Seimas (the Lithuanian Parliament) regarding an audit initiative of the first offshore wind project developed by “Ignitis Group.” Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas emphasized that the group will oversee the development of both upcoming wind farms in the Baltic Sea.

The group is a strong representation of key stakeholders, consisting of representatives from the Government Chancellery, seven ministries, the energy market regulator, and state-owned energy companies. Prime Minister’s spokesperson Justinas Argustas highlighted that the group’s responsibilities include regulating the legal framework covering not only energy but also related issues such as shipping, maintenance, and fisheries. Furthermore, the group will supervise the implementation of these key strategic projects.

Alongside Gorbačevskis, the group will be co-led by Airidas Daukšas, Deputy Minister of Energy, who will serve as his deputy. The group’s diverse membership includes:

  • Tomas Godliauskas, Deputy Minister of National Defense

  • Arūnas Jagminas, Deputy Minister of Agriculture

  • Julius Pranevičius, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs

  • Juras Taminskas, Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications

  • Tomas Vaitkevičius, Deputy Minister of Environment

  • Mindaugas Šima, Chancellor of the Ministry of Finance

The group also includes Ieva Dobilinskienė, Project Manager at the state-owned energy group “Epso-G”; Ignas Junevičius, Director of the Renewable Energy Center at electricity transmission system operator “Litgrid”; and Jelena Dilienė, member of the National Energy Regulatory Council (VERT).

Notably, Vytautas Rimas, Director of Offshore Energy Development at “Ignitis Renewables” (a subsidiary of “Ignitis Group,” developing the first 700 MW offshore wind farm with foreign partners), will also participate in the group’s activities.

“Ignitis Renewables” won the tender for the first project—developed without state aid—in 2023, in partnership with “Ocean Winds,” a global offshore wind development company. They paid the state €20 million for the development rights, and an additional €30 million was spent on seabed studies, research, and staff wages.

Meanwhile, the winner of the tender for the second 700 MW wind farm will be eligible for state support. Lithuania plans to install two offshore wind farms with a total permitted capacity of 1.4 gigawatts.

Source: LI & lrt.lt