Lithuania Maps Integrated Energy Network for Hydrogen Era
Litgrid and Amber Grid have completed Lithuania’s first joint long-term development scenario for electricity, gas and hydrogen infrastructure, outlining how the country’s energy system could evolve over the next decade as it accelerates decarbonisation and regional energy integration.
The integrated scenario forms the basis of Lithuania’s ten-year network development plans for 2026–2035 and reflects broader European Union requirements aimed at coordinating electricity, gas, hydrogen and heat infrastructure planning.
Officials involved in the process said the initiative is intended to improve interoperability between sectors, support the energy transition and ensure more efficient use of infrastructure investment as renewable energy capacity expands.
Paulius Butkus said the joint approach was designed to prepare Lithuania for future regulatory requirements while improving the overall planning process for strategic energy infrastructure. He noted that the operators are also revising how long-term investment portfolios and development plans are structured to better align with European best practice.
The plans anticipate major growth in renewable electricity generation, hydrogen production and cross-border energy integration. According to the scenario, Lithuania could produce between 2.25 TWh and 10.68 TWh of hydrogen annually by 2035, supported by electrolysis capacity ranging from 0.67 GW to 3.36 GW depending on market development pathways.
At the same time, the country is expected to remain an important regional gas transit corridor, transporting around 42 TWh of gas annually to neighbouring states. Biomethane production is also forecast to increase steadily and could meet up to 10% of Lithuania’s gas demand by 2035.
Laurynas Galiauskas said Lithuania’s energy system is undergoing structural transformation as renewable gases and hydrogen infrastructure are integrated into the existing network. He added that the planned Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor would create a regional hydrogen transport system linking Finland, the Baltic states, Poland and Germany with total annual capacity of 91 TWh.
The strategy also foresees major electricity transmission upgrades as Lithuania increases renewable energy deployment and prepares for future industrial demand linked to hydrogen production and electrification.
Ramūnas Bikulčius said the country’s electricity system is rapidly evolving with increased solar, wind and offshore wind development, alongside rising demand for flexibility and energy storage. He noted that future electricity demand from electrolysers and large industrial consumers remains one of the key uncertainties in long-term planning.
Among the major projects highlighted are the Harmony Link interconnection with Poland, new 330 kV transmission lines linking eastern and western Lithuania, and the proposed Baltic-German PowerLink offshore interconnector, which could connect Baltic and German electricity markets while supporting offshore wind integration.
Both transmission operators said ensuring energy system resilience and security remains a central priority amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and rapid sector transformation.
Lithuania’s decision to integrate electricity, gas and hydrogen planning reflects a broader European shift toward viewing energy systems as interconnected rather than separate sectors. The scale of proposed hydrogen and transmission infrastructure suggests the country is positioning itself as both a regional renewable energy hub and a strategic transit corridor. However, the success of the strategy will depend heavily on industrial hydrogen demand materialising at scale and on maintaining sufficient investment in grid flexibility and cross-border interconnections.
