Climate action in Lithuania: Latest state of play

Briefing 24-06-2021

The EU's binding climate and energy legislation for 2030 requires Member States to adopt national energy and climate plans (NECPs) for the 2021-2030 period. In October 2020, the European Commission published an assessment for each NECP. Lithuania finalised its NECP in December 2019. Lithuania generates 0.55 % of the EU's total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and has reduced emissions at a slower pace than the EU average since 2005. Most economic sectors showed emissions reductions in the 2005-2019 period, with the exception of transport, agriculture and the 'other emissions' sectors. The transport and agriculture sectors account for 52 % of Lithuania's total emissions. Energy industry emissions have fallen by 60 % since 2005, while emissions in the 'other emissions' category, which includes services and buildings grew by 24 %. EU effort-sharing legislation allowed Lithuania to increase its emissions by 15 % up until 2020. Lithuania stayed well below its 2013-2020 allowances and expects to over-achieve on the 2030 target of 9 % reductions relative to 2005, potentially achieving 21 % reductions. Lithuania's renewable energy share was 25.5 % in 2019. The country's 2030 target of a 45 % share focuses mainly on wind, solar and biofuels. Energy efficiency measures centre to a large extent on the building stock and transport sector with support schemes for industry and households.