Tendencies of alternative energetics development in Lithuania

Abstract

Plant biomass used as a fuel is the most important source of renewable energy. Biomass makes up about half of the alternative energy in EU. In Lithuania plant biomass power is equal to approximately 700 thousand toe (oil equivalent), i. e. about 90% of all renewable energy used.The usage of renewable energy sources in EU in 2020 will be 20% and the biomass will comprise 65% of renewable energy. In Lithuania the wind and hydropower of potential is not big, the biomass use for energy purposes should be greater. There are large perspectives to grow biomass as a fuel in Lithuania. In 2004 the total area of agricultural land was 3367.8 thousand ha. Nobody's land equaled to 339.6 thousand ha of agricultural land. In Lithuania the area of non-arable lands is 19% of agricultural land (610.2 thousand ha). Artificially planted forests and perennial grasses can grow in these lands. The productiveness of suh foressts exceeds that of the natural forests from 7 to 40%. Chimical material usage and erosion processes can be minimized by doing so. The object of this research is to determine technical potential of plant biomass growth and its use as a fuel in Lithuania.