As the Lithuanian Wind Power Association (LVEA) celebrates its 20th anniversary, the most significant achievements of the wind energy sector were honored. At the LVEA’s Wind Vision 2025 event, the developers and their projects that have contributed most to the development of renewable energy in the country were announced and awarded.

“The 20th anniversary of the LVEA marks a milestone in the wind energy sector in Lithuania—from the first power plants to ambitious projects that are taking the country towards energy independence with sure steps. We are delighted that the development of wind energy is gaining momentum. More than 600 megawatts (MW) of wind power capacity have been installed in the country between 2005 and 2019, and 1,100 MW in the last few years. 3,000 MW of capacity is currently under development, so we are well on our way,” said Linas Sabaliauskas, president of the LVEA, at the event.

The award “Lithuania’s Historic Wind Energy Milestone” went to the company “Dalis gero” and Enercon, which built and connected the first new wind power plant to the Lithuanian grid in 2004. The 600-kilowatt (kW) wind power plant, built in Germany, is still in operation today and can be seen in Vydmantai, Kretinga district, near the Šiauliai-Palanga highway.

The Amberwind wind farm was awarded for “Lithuania’s Largest Completed Wind Power Project in 20 Years”. The 73.5 MW Amberwind park was opened in Pagėgiai municipality in early 2016.

Kelmė District Municipality was awarded the prize for being “The Municipality Powering Wind Energy Growth.” The largest wind farm in the Baltic States is currently under construction in Kelmė municipality, which has been awarded the nomination “Most Ambitious Onshore Project Currently Under Construction”. Ignitis Renewables is developing 44 wind farms there, with a total capacity of 300 MW – enough electricity to power 250,000 households in Lithuania.

The Wind Vision 2025 event also honored General Electric as “The Leading WTG Manufacturer by Installed Capacity”. Merko statyba was nominated as “The Foundation Builder of Wind Energy”.

STIEMO was named “The Leading Partner in Wind Turbine Electrical Infrastructure”, while Nordex was named “Lithuania’s Rapidly Expanding Wind Turbine Sales Leader”.

Green Genius, a renewable energy company, was awarded “The Most Progressive Developer” while Vestas, a wind turbine manufacturer, was named “The Rising Star of Contracted Capacity Growth”.

The LVEA event Wind Vision 2025 brought together business, political, and energy experts to discuss the outlook for wind energy, changes in the regulatory environment, and investment opportunities.