Sustainability is still a work in process

The world is experiencing extra frequent and intense warmth waves, floods, hurricanes, and wildfires as a consequence of rising greenhouse gasoline emissions. The power sector is among the largest contributors to local weather change, but it additionally performs a vital position within the methods wanted to mitigate and adapt to its results, contributing to the achievement of formidable local weather objectives.

On this international context, Lithuania is present process a major power transformation because it strikes towards a extra sustainable and unbiased future.

By aligning its energy policies with the United Nations Sustainable Improvement Objectives, the nation just isn’t solely addressing its home challenges but additionally contributing to the broader battle towards local weather change. This decided effort to cut back greenhouse gas emissionsenhance energy efficiencyand strengthen energy security demonstrates how even small nations could make a significant affect on international sustainability efforts.

“Simple actions are important. Even small changes can help reduce environmental impacts, while awareness of the current state of energy and climate policy can have a significant effect on how we adapt and try to act accordingly to achieve these shared goals,” says Kaunas College of Know-how (KTU) junior researcher Alexandra Maria Alonso Soto.

Progress surpasses EU common

The Sustainable Improvement Objectives goal to finish poverty, defend the planet and obtain peace and prosperity by 2030. KTU researchers determined to give attention to three of those objectives and examine how local weather change mitigation insurance policies are being utilized within the power sector.

“Reasonably priced and clean energysustainable cities and communities, in addition to local weather motion, have been our focus,” says KTU Ph.D. scholar Alonso Soto.

To realize these objectives, Lithuania has needed to handle vital power transitions, such because the closure of the Ignalina nuclear power plant in 2009, which led to a serious transformation of the Lithuanian power sector. “After the plant stopped its operation, the country became dependent on energy imports of both electricity and natural gas, mostly from Russia,” says KTU researcher.

In response, Lithuania prioritized strengthening the nation’s power safety and power independence. Investments in high-voltage grid interconnections with neighboring nations and a rising give attention to renewable energy sources like wind and solar energy have been central to this technique.

By investing in renewable power and lowering dependency on imported fuels, Lithuania just isn’t solely enhancing power safety but additionally advancing the worldwide objectives of unpolluted power and local weather motion.

Current progress has been notable. Lithuania not solely reached the European Union’s (EU) 2020 renewable power goal of 20% by 2014, however in 2022, the share of renewable power in complete power consumption grew virtually to 30%, exceeding the EU common.

As for 2023, in response to the Lithuanian Ministry of Vitality, 70% of all electrical energy produced within the nation got here from renewable power sources, underlining the dedication to cut back import dependency.

As soon as consciousness is settled, actions will comply with

Regardless of the fitting path, there are nonetheless many challenges that forestall Lithuania from reaching its sustainable power objectives. KTU researcher Alonso Soto mentions some: dependence on biomass and fossil fuels, restricted diversification of power sources, inadequate coverage alignment and implementation, and social and financial boundaries.

“Lithuania has made a great progress in increasing its renewable energy share, but biomass is a big contributor to air pollution and carbon emissions. While other renewable energy sources such as wind power are being developed, it is still in early stages compared to biomass,” she says.

When it comes to coverage alignment, whereas Lithuania adopted formidable targets beneath the Nationwide Vitality Independence Methods and the Nationwide Vitality and Local weather Plan, there are nonetheless gaps within the coordination and implementation in addition to a scarcity of monitoring and analysis of those insurance policies.

In accordance with Alonso Soto, social acceptance of power insurance policies similar to constructing inventory renovation will also be a barrier as a consequence of public reluctance or lack of funds to implement the measures.

“Many Lithuanians, especially the elderly, cannot afford to renovate their homes, and some others still do not understand the benefits that such an upgrade would bring in terms of money savings, not to mention environmental impact,” explains Alonso Soto, a Ph.D. scholar at KTU Institute of Environmental Engineering.

In her opinion, reinforcing instructional campaigns is the motion the federal government may take to extend public engagement and consciousness: “Citizens need to get involved, understand the policies, be aware of the benefits these could bring to their lives. Once the knowledge and awareness are settled within the population’s mindsets, actions will follow.”

The article, “Exploring the Interplay Between Energy Policies and Sustainable Development Goals Within Lithuania’s Energy Sector: A Critical Review,” was published in Sustainability Journal.