Lithuanian Energy Minister Žygimantas Vaičiūnas and Flemish Energy Minister Zuhal Demir have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) stating their joint commitment to improve cooperation in the field of renewable energy.
The goal is to explore and make concrete joint investments in renewable energy projects and more precisely, to work together to establish a joint offshore wind project in the Baltic Sea.
The MOU is building the ground for long-term collaboration between Flanders and Lithuania in the field of renewable energy.
“Lithuania as a leader in the region in terms of renewable energy development successfully continues cooperation with other EU countries. I believe that strong cooperation can help us fully exploit renewables potentials in more cost-effectively way and create true win-win situations. As EU raises climate ambition targets it is the perfect time to start building new joint initiatives in the area of renewable energy. Moreover, this cooperation is also instrumental in optimizing investments by exploiting potential of EU financial opportunities.”
Žygimantas Vaičiūnas, Lithuanian energy minister.
“I am very pleased we will strengthen our cooperation with Lithuania in the field of renewable energy. This cooperation will enable the Flemish region to reach its policy objectives in a more cost effective way, since the potential for renewable energy in Flanders is rather limited due to inter alia the high population density and the limited remaining available space for wind energy. With this partnership, both countries would benefit from the economic opportunities that new renewable energy projects offer. I hope the know-how, expertise and international experience available in the Flemish private sector will also contribute to the success of this MoU.”
Zuhal Demir, Flemish energy minister.
Lithuania and Flanders are completely committed to achieving their short-and mid-term renewable energy targets, as outlined in their respective energy and climate plans, by creating additional renewable capacity in their respective territories.
In order to meet the most cost-effectively ambitious European renewable goals, European legislation promotes active collaboration between Member States on the implementation of renewable energy technologies.
Member States and areas with a lower renewable energy capacity will be able to accomplish their goals in a more cost-effective manner by participating in joint ventures.
In this context, enhanced cooperation between Flanders and Lithuania is aimed at generating investment and creating additional offshore wind power in the Baltic Sea.
At the same time, these concrete measures will allow both countries to achieve the post-2020 renewable goals, while at the same time providing economic, environmental and social co-benefits in terms of job creation and improving security of supply.
