Comparative assessment of renewable energy in Lithuania and Ukraine

Abstract

The paper deals with renewable energy sources in Lithuania and Ukraine and compares policies and measures to promote use of renewable energy sources in both countries The aim of the paper is to compare policies and measures to promote renewable energy sources in Lithuania and Ukraine and to assess their impact on increase of renewable energy utilisation in both countries. The paper revealed that feed-in prices for electricity produced from renewables is the main policy measures to promote use of renewables in both countries however rates of feed-in tariffs are higher in Ukraine. The feed-in prices have been implemented in Lithuania since 2000 and resulted in significant increase of the share of renewables in electricity consumption (from 3% in 2000 to 23.5 in 2012). In Ukraine feed-in prices has been implemented since 2008 and so far haven’t provided for significant increase of usage of renewable energy in the country though there is a huge renewable energy usage potential in Ukraine. Therefore the feed in tariffs alone cannot guarantee a strong and successful development of renewable electricity production. Challenges still lie in the alleviation of administrative barriers and the electricity grid expansion to integrate an increasing share of renewable electricity and more stable, transparent and comprehensive policies are necessary to promote investments in renewable energy and increase of usage of renewable energy sources.