Lithuanian Energy Institute

Lithuanian Energy Institute (LEI) is a scientific research institute engaged in long-term research in the energy sector. One of our main research directions is the development of energy economy planning methods, investigation of safety and reliability of the power plants, their impact on the environment, efficient energy consumption and the renewable energy sources.

According to this direction, the following research work is carried out: collection and experience generalization of energy demand prognosis and modelling of the energy sector development; formation of methodological and program basis for preparation of the National Energy Strategy; Lithuanian Energy Institute has extensive experience with participation in international projects according to programmes: FP7, Nordic Energy Research Programme (NERP), Baltic Sea Region Programme 2007-2013, South Baltic Cross-border Co-operation Programme 2007-2013, Intelligent Energy – Europe, INTERREG, COST, EUREKA, and others.

LEI actively participates through all work packages of the BEA-APP project with specific emphasis on WP4 (Regional Pilot Actions), where it will carry out a feasibility study on increasing the share of renewable energy in district heating (DH) systems in the city of Kaunas. Biomass fuel consumers in Lithuania are households and the DH sector. The possibility to increase the share of RES in heat production exists in the DH sector by replacing traditional fossil fuel to biomass, mainly wood fuel. However, DH companies, private investors and developers do not always plan new boiler-houses in the most appropriate urban locations, thus causing opposition from local residents who are concerned about environmental challenges and who are not sufficiently involved in discussions. The study will investigate the bottlenecks and barriers for better spatial planning process and public involvement in all stages of planning and will be carried out in close cooperation with Kaunas City Municipality.