Euractiv
Lithuania now fully independent of Russian energy
By Giedre Peseckyte, Euractiv – May 23, 2022
Nord Pool, a pan-European power exchange, decided to stop trading Russian electricity from its only importer in the Baltic States Inter RAO, meaning Lithuania no longer imports Russian energy supplies such as oil, electricity, and natural gas. [Shutterstock/PX Media.
Lithuania on Sunday dropped Russian energy imports including oil, natural gas and electricity, making it completely free of Russian energy supplies.
Nord Pool, a pan-European power exchange, decided to stop trading Russian electricity from its only importer in the Baltic States Inter RAO, meaning Lithuania no longer imports Russian energy supplies such as oil, electricity, and natural gas.
“Not only it is an extremely important milestone for Lithuania in its journey towards energy independence, but it is also an expression of our solidarity with Ukraine. We must stop financing the Russian war machine,” said Energy Minister Dainius Kreivys.
Lithuania will achieve full energy independence when it successfully implements synchronisation, meets its electricity needs through local green energy production and becomes an electricity exporter, Kreivys also stressed.
For liquefied natural gas, the terminal in Klaipėda has received cargoes from the US. At the same time, local power generation and imports from EU countries through existing interconnections with Sweden, Poland and Latvia cover the country’s electricity needs. Meanwhile, Orlen Lietuva, the only oil importer in Lithuania, refused to import Russian crude oil more than a month ago.
Commenting on Lithuania’s decision to stop imports of Russian fossils and electricity, Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko tweeted on Sunday (22 May) that it is “a crucial milestone towards energy independence, a great sign of dignity, and a motivating example for the rest of Europe.”
“Ukraine is ready to support you [Lithuania] with our carbon-free electricity,” he added.