In recent years, Lithuania has advanced its renewable energy transition, with solar, wind, and biomass increasingly contributing to the national energy mix. However, integrating a growing share of solar power presented several operational and structural challenges.

Grid integration and stability:
As solar generation increases, ensuring grid stability becomes a central concern. Lithuania’s grid infrastructure needed to be upgraded to accommodate the variable nature of solar power and ensure a consistent electricity supply.

Efficiency of solar energy production:
Fixed solar installations in Lithuania’s northern climate face limitations in energy output, particularly during seasonal changes and varying sunlight conditions. Optimising energy capture throughout the day remained a technical priority.

Local economic and environmental considerations:
The success of renewable energy projects is often tied to community involvement and local benefits. In this case, job creation, regional investment, land use planning, and environmental impact needed to be addressed to secure community support and long-term sustainability.

Energy storage readiness:
While solar energy can meet peak demand during daylight hours, excess production and nighttime consumption remain challenges. Anticipating future energy storage integration was a key consideration in the project’s design.

European Energy, in close collaboration with Lithuania’s transmission system operator Litgrid, developed the Anykščiai Solar Park to address both technical and social aspects of large-scale solar integration.

Strengthening grid integration:
The project was planned in coordination with Litgrid to ensure alignment with national grid capacity. The connection to Lithuania’s high-voltage grid was optimised to handle the variability of solar generation while maintaining overall grid stability.

Implementing solar tracker technology:
To maximise energy yield, the solar park was equipped with over 140,000 solar modules installed on tracker systems. These systems adjust the orientation of the panels to follow the sun’s path throughout the day, increasing output by 25–30% compared to static installations. The technology was adapted to Lithuania’s geographical and climatic conditions to maintain performance during seasonal variations.

Minimising environmental impact and enhancing local engagement:
European Energy conducted environmental impact assessments and engaged in community consultations before construction. The park was sited on low-impact agricultural land, selected to minimise disruption to ecosystems and nearby communities. Visual design considerations also helped reduce the park’s visibility in the landscape. These efforts supported local acceptance and ensured alignment with both environmental and land-use priorities.

Economic development and skill building:
The project contributed to local job creation during both construction and operation phases, alongside investments in local infrastructure. Training and upskilling opportunities for regional workers further contributed to long-term economic development.

• Increased Renewable Capacity: The Anykščiai Solar Park, spanning over 120 hectares, adds 78 MW (ac) of solar capacity to Lithuania’s grid. The installation contributes directly to national climate goals and enhances energy security in the Baltic region.

• Efficient Energy Production: With solar tracking systems in place, the park optimises solar capture across daylight hours, improving the efficiency and reliability of energy generation.

• Local and Economic Impact: The project exemplifies successful public-private collaboration, drawing significant investment and creating local employment opportunities.

• Prepared for Future Storage Integration: The park’s design anticipates the integration of energy storage systems, supporting long-term grid resilience and energy availability.

By addressing both technical and societal dimensions, the Anykščiai Solar Park demonstrates a scalable approach to solar deployment in Northern Europe, combining energy generation with local development and environmental care.