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Electric vehicles (EVs) are reviewed in the context of policy and technical aspects taking into consideration the Lithuanian national picture over the global and European Union developments within this field. The paper presents also the best practices for deployment of EVs including the potential niche markets and the challenges and opportunities within the energy and power systems support. A critical evaluation is also performed on the relevant research and developments in Lithuania. Finally, the paper evaluates the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats through a developed SWOT analysis. This review will provide insight to the EVs challenges and opportunities within the Baltic Region. It is expected this will inspire individuals, business and policy makers to allow and incentivise deployment of EVs to enhance efficiency in transport and consequently contribute towards GHG emissions reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Kaliningrad Oblast experiences severe power shortages. State of the heat and power sector of the Exclave is evaluated as very complicated, largely inconsistent with the requirements of modern standards for the organization and functioning of electric power systems, and largely dependent on the specific geopolitical situation. The present review considers: (i) the differences between social media outcomes regarding the Baltic NPP and presents possible scenarios that could exist in the future as a result of certain policy decisions, (ii) current status of the Region׳s energy sector and possibilities of its transition towards environmental sustainability by means of renewable energy, solid and gaseous biofuels, and local peat, and (iii) necessity of buildings renovation in the Kaliningrad Oblast. The data is collected via personal communications and literature research by structuring complex problems and considering multiple opportunities. The interviewees were educators, scientists and various stakeholders (potential investors and energy contractors, local farmers and agricultural landowners as potential producers of energy crops, etc.). According to their views and literature, background knowledge and critical thoughts on renewable energy solutions for Kaliningrad Oblast are presented. This study will primarily address policy-makers and environmental lobbyists, as they are the shapers of the regulatory and economic situation as well as energy sector׳s development direction in the Region. It will also be of use to those planning on establishing renewable energy production as a comprehensive summary of factors to take into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This review paper sets the stage for a look at the Lithuanian (hereinafter LT) transport sector and its transition towards sustainable mobility through the use of biofuels and implementation of the necessary policies to deliver the renewable energy targets. The assessment begins with a brief and reasonably balanced situational analysis of the transport subsectors—road (including ex-fleet vehicle market), off-road, railway, marine, and air—in Lithuania, and their direct relations to the biofuel sector. The paper also aims to examine the dynamics of GHG emissions (N2O, CH4, CO2), air and soil pollution (NO2, SO2, NMWOC, NH3, PM, CO, heavy metals), and related indicators in the whole LT transport sector during the economic transition period (1990–1995), economy growth period (1996–2007) and the first-world debt crisis period (2007–2010). The national biofuels industry has seen plenty of ups and downs over the past decade but have generally good growth prospects. The study found that the CO2 emission is growing recently in Lithuania and this growth could be attributed to almost all transport subsectors. One of the main problems responsible for this situation is the patchy nature of the regulation (there is no governmental decision indicated on setting of national fuel economy/GHG standard), from which most other problems arise. Transport activity has been a key facilitator and driver of economic prosperity in Lithuania and it is likely to continue to grow. It can produce both positive and negative effects on the environment and the quality of life depending on measures at all levels to promote its sustainable development. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: District heating sector is one of the most important sectors of Lithuanian energy industry. Consequently, low-cost bioenergy sources could play an important role in developing biofuels based on the so-called second-generation feedstock and decentralized energy supply for remote rural areas with low heat demand density. The present amount of biomass straw is already considerable in Lithuania but the potential is even much higher. It is assumed that the share of firewood in the balance of RES will decrease significantly – from 86.7% in 2009 to 55% in 2020 and future decisions on the acceptability of new substitutes must be found. The most important factors that could hasten the diffusion of straw combustion technologies for heat-only boilers (HOBs) in order to contribute to a local fuel and low-emission energy infrastructure are political issues, reduction in existing technical thresholds, market and economic conditions, international cooperation activity, and broad experience through wood residue combustion. The collected data indicated that under conditions in Lithuania, biomass straw combustion is prospective mainly to be used for heat production in small and medium scale units of 0.6–5.0MWth capacity as well as in large scale installations where multi-biomass strategies are foreseen. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]