Received: 2024-09-15  |  Accepted: 2025-01-24  |  Published: 2025-03-30

Title

Renewable energy landscapes: a comparative analysis of Lithuania's, Europe's, and Africa's green strategies


Abstract

This study explores the renewable energy trajectories of Lithuania, Europe, and Africa, focusing on their strategies, achievements, and prospects. It highlights Lithuania's significant investment in wind and biomass energy, evaluating its progress within the broader European context and its role in the Baltic region's energy transition. The analysis underscores Europe's leadership in renewable energy, noting its advanced policies and technological innovations that set global benchmarks. In contrast, Africa's renewable energy potential is examined alongside its infrastructural and financial challenges, revealing opportunities and barriers. Key findings include Lithuania's substantial reliance on wind and biomass, Europe's prominent role in renewable energy adoption, and Africa's promising yet uneven progress. This comparative study provides insights into diverse approaches to renewable energy and their implications for the global transition towards sustainable energy.


Keywords

renewable energy, Lithuania, Europe, Africa, green strategy


JEL classifications

O32 , Q20


URI

http://jssidoi.org/ird/article/183


DOI


Pages

10-23


Funding

This research was supported by the project,which has received funding from the European Union's Horizon Europe Project 101129820 Cluster for innovative energy (CLUSTER-INN), the program "HORIZON-MSCA-2022-SE-01"

This is an open access issue and all published articles are licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

Authors

Chiki, Zineb
Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco http://www.usmba.ac.ma
Articles by this author in: CrossRef |  Google Scholar

El Boutalbi, Yousra
Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco http://www.usmba.ac.ma
Articles by this author in: CrossRef |  Google Scholar

Jafrane, Chaimaa
Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco http://www.usmba.ac.ma
Articles by this author in: CrossRef |  Google Scholar

Katina, Joana
Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Vilnius, Lithuania https://vilniustech.lt
Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania https://www.vu.lt
Articles by this author in: CrossRef |  Google Scholar

El Amrani El Idrissi, Najiba
Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco http://www.usmba.ac.ma
Articles by this author in: CrossRef |  Google Scholar

Lamcharfi, Taj-din
Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco http://www.usmba.ac.ma
Articles by this author in: CrossRef |  Google Scholar

Idrissi Kandri, Noureddine
Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco http://www.usmba.ac.ma
Articles by this author in: CrossRef |  Google Scholar

Journal title

Insights into Regional Development

Volume

7


Number

1


Issue date

March 2025


Issue DOI


ISSN

ISSN 2345-0282 (online)


Publisher

VšĮ Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Center, Vilnius, Lithuania

Cited

Google Scholar

Article views & downloads

HTML views: 360  |  PDF downloads: 165

References


Adesina, A. (2022). Supporting climate resilience and a just energy transition in Africa. African Development Bank Group. www.afdb.org

Search via ReFindit


Adesina, A., & G. Demas, W. (2022). Development in a Context of Global Challenges: Experiences and Lessons from the African Development Bank. https://www.afdb.org/sites/default/files/dr_akinwumi_adesina_-_william_d._delma_memorial_lecture_june_14_2022_final.pdf

Search via ReFindit


Agnolucci, P. (2007). Wind electricity in Denmark: A survey of policies, their effectiveness and factors motivating their introduction. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 11(5), 951–963. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2005.07.004

Search via ReFindit


Agora Energiewende. (n.d.) Deutschland. Retrieved September 24, 2024, from https://www.agora-energiewende.de/international/laender-und-regionen/deutschland

Search via ReFindit


Ahmed, M., Abdelrehim, R., Elshalkany, M., & Abdrabou, M. (2024). Impacts of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Nile River’s downstream reservoirs. Journal of Hydrology, 633, 130952. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2024.130952

Search via ReFindit


Alex. (2022, April 4). Global Wind Report 2022. Global Wind Energy Council. https://gwec.net/global-wind-report-2022/

Search via ReFindit


Amoah, A., Kwablah, E., Korle, K., & Offei, D. (2020). Renewable energy consumption in Africa: The role of economic well-being and economic freedom. Energy, Sustainability and Society, 10(1), 32. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13705-020-00264-3

Search via ReFindit


Artelys. (2018). Investigation on the interlinkage between gas and electricity scenarios and infrastructure projects assessment (p. 76). https://eepublicdownloads.entsoe.eu/clean-documents/Publications/Position%20papers%20and%20reports/ENTSOs%20-%20Interlinkages%20Focus%20Study%20-%20Final%20report.pdf

Search via ReFindit


Benti, N. E., Woldegiyorgis, T. A., Geffe, C. A., Gurmesa, G. S., Chaka, M. D., & Mekonnen, Y. S. (2023). Overview of geothermal resources utilization in Ethiopia: Potentials, opportunities, and challenges. Scientific African, 19, e01562. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2023.e01562

Search via ReFindit


bp. (2023). Statistical Review of World Energy to pass to new home at the Energy Institute | News and insights | Home. Bp Global. https://www.bp.com/en/global/corporate/news-and-insights/press-releases/statistical-review-of-world-energy-to-pass-to-new-home-at-the-energy-institute.html

Search via ReFindit


CAN Europe. (2024). Energy Compass for the new policy cycle 2024-2029: Recommendations for the new European Comission. www.caneurope.org

Search via ReFindit


Cantoni, R., & Rignall, K. (2019). Kingdom of the Sun: A critical, multiscalar analysis of Morocco’s solar energy strategy. Energy Research & Social Science, 51, 20–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2018.12.012

Search via ReFindit


Danish Energy Agency. (2023, February 9). New virtual platform to share Danish offshore wind experiences. The Danish Energy Agency. https://ens.dk/en/press/new-virtual-platform-share-danish-offshore-wind-experiences

Search via ReFindit


European climate foundation. (2024, June 27). A growing European movement for a community-driven energy transition—European Climate Foundation. Https://Europeanclimate.Org/. https://europeanclimate.org/stories/a-growing-european-movement-for-a-community-driven-energy-transition/

Search via ReFindit


European Commission. (2021a). Delivering the European Green Deal—European Commission. https://commission.europa.eu/publications/delivering-european-green-deal_en

Search via ReFindit


European Commission. (2021b, July 14). The European Green Deal—European Commission. https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en

Search via ReFindit


European Commission. (2022, April 8). Energy and the Green Deal. https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal/energy-and-green-deal_en

Search via ReFindit


European Commission. (2023a). Eighth report on the state of the energy union—European Commission. https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/energy-strategy/eighth-report-state-energy-union_en

Search via ReFindit


European Commission. (2023b). EU wind energy. https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/renewable-energy/eu-wind-energy_en

Search via ReFindit


European Environment Agency. (2022). Trends and projections in Europe 2022. Publications Office. https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2800/16646

Search via ReFindit


European Investment Bank. (2024, March 14). Lithuania gets energy-independence boost with EIB loan to Ignitis. European Investment Bank. https://www.eib.org/en/press/all/2024-108-lithuania-gets-energy-independence-boost-with-eib-loan-to-ignitis

Search via ReFindit


European Parliament. (2022, June 22). Green Deal: Key to a climate-neutral and sustainable EU. Topics | European Parliament. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/topics/en/article/20200618STO81513/green-deal-key-to-a-climate-neutral-and-sustainable-eu

Search via ReFindit


Eurostat Statistic Explainer. (2024, January 3). Share of renewable energy more than doubled between 2004 and 2022. https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Renewable_energy_statistics

Search via ReFindit


Eurostat. (n.d.). Renewables steadily increasing in heating and cooling. Retrieved September 24, 2024, from https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/-/edn-20220211-1

Search via ReFindit


Eyl-Mazzega, M.-A., & Mathieu, C. (2020). The European Union and the Energy Transition. In M. Hafner & S. Tagliapietra (Eds.), The Geopolitics of the Global Energy Transition (pp. 27–46). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-39066-2_2

Search via ReFindit


Ferrara, C., Marmiroli, B., Carvalho, M. L., & Girardi, P. (2024). Life Cycle Assessment of Photovoltaic electricity production in Italy: Current scenario and future developments. Science of The Total Environment, 948, 174846. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174846

Search via ReFindit


Gabrah, A. Y. B., Amoako, G. K., & Ampong, G. O. A. (2023). Africa’s Response to SDGs: Barriers and Challenges. In S. Adomako, A. Danso, & A. Boateng (Eds.), Corporate Sustainability in Africa: Responsible Leadership, Opportunities, and Challenges (pp. 47–63). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-29273-6_3

Search via ReFindit


Gecevičius, G., & Kavaliauskas, Ž. (2021). Development of Renewable Energy in Lithuania: Experience, State and Trends. Environmental Research, 77, 64–72. http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.erem.77.4.29902

Search via ReFindit


Global Renewables Outlook. (2020). ENERGY TRANSFORMATION SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA. https://www.irena.org//media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2020/Apr/IRENA_GRO_R10_Sub-Saharan_Africa.pdf?la=en&hash=DB067EF85E0FDB6B8762833E77CC80F3975E46DC

Search via ReFindit


Guigaitė, A., & Jakubavičius, A. (2022). Trends in solar energy development projects in Lithuania. Mokslas - Lietuvos Ateitis, 14, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.3846/mla.2022.15857

Search via ReFindit


Hake, J.-F., Fischer, W., Venghaus, S., & Weckenbrock, C. (2015). The German Energiewende – History and status quo. Energy, 92, 532–546. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2015.04.027

Search via ReFindit


International Energy Agency. (2022, October 5). IEA – International Energy Agency. IEA. https://www.iea.org

Search via ReFindit


International Energy Agency. (2023a). Italy 2023 Energy Policy Review. OECD. https://doi.org/10.1787/278dd18f-en

Search via ReFindit


International Energy Agency. (2023b). Medium-Term Gas Report 2023: Including the Gas Market Report, Q4-2023. OECD. https://doi.org/10.1787/5da099e5-en

Search via ReFindit


International Renewable Energy Agency. (2024). Solar energy. https://www.irena.org/Energy-Transition/Technology/Solar-energy

Search via ReFindit


IRENA. (2023). Renewable energy benefits: Leveraging local capacity for small-scale hydropower. https://www.irena.org/

Search via ReFindit


Janeliūnas, T. (2021). Energy Transformation in Lithuania: Aiming for the Grand Changes. In M. Mišík & V. Oravcová (Eds.), From Economic to Energy Transition: Three Decades of Transitions in Central and Eastern Europe (pp. 283–313). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-55085-1_10

Search via ReFindit


Jankevičienė, J., & Kanapickas, A. (2023). Projected Wind Energy Maximum Potential in Lithuania. Applied Sciences, 13(1), Article 1. https://doi.org/10.3390/app13010364

Search via ReFindit


Jiregna Tadese. (2020). The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD): Diplomatic War Between Ethiopia and Egypt. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.16518.09286

Search via ReFindit


Jonynas, R., Puida, E., Poškas, R., Paukštaitis, L., Jouhara, H., Gudzinskas, J., Miliauskas, G., & Lukoševičius, V. (2020). Renewables for district heating: The case of Lithuania. Energy, 211, 119064. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2020.119064

Search via ReFindit


Jorgenson, J., Doubleday, K., Chernyakhovskiy, I., Obika, K., Williams, T., Rosenlieb, E., & Igwe, V. (2024). The Lithuania 100% Renewable Energy Study—Interim Results: Electricity System Scenarios for 2030. https://doi.org/10.2172/2350649

Search via ReFindit


Juju, D., Baffoe, G., Dam Lam, R., Karanja, A., Naidoo, M., Ahmed, A., Jarzebski, M. P., Saito, O., Fukushi, K., Takeuchi, K., & Gasparatos, A. (2020). Sustainability Challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa in the Context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In A. Gasparatos, A. Ahmed, M. Naidoo, A. Karanja, K. Fukushi, O. Saito, & K. Takeuchi (Eds.), Sustainability Challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa I: Continental Perspectives and Insights from Western and Central Africa (pp. 3–50). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-4458-3_1

Search via ReFindit


Katinas, V., & Markevicius, A. (2006). Promotional policy and perspectives of usage renewable energy in Lithuania. Energy Policy, 34(7), 771–780. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2004.07.011

Search via ReFindit


Klevas, V., Streimikiene, D., & Grikstaite, R. (2007). Sustainable energy in Baltic States. Energy Policy, 35(1), 76–90. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2005.10.009

Search via ReFindit


Kou, H. (2023, October 9). 2H 2023 Energy Storage Market Outlook. BloombergNEF. https://about.bnef.com/blog/2h-2023-energy-storage-market-outlook/

Search via ReFindit


Kozlovas, P., Gudzius, S., Ciurlionis, J., Jonaitis, A., Konstantinaviciute, I., & Bobinaite, V. (2023). Assessment of Technical and Economic Potential of Urban Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic Systems in Lithuania. Energies, 16(14), Article 14. https://doi.org/10.3390/en16145410

Search via ReFindit


Kuzemko, C., Blondeel, M., Dupont, C., & Brisbois, M. C. (2022). Russia’s war on Ukraine, European energy policy responses & implications for sustainable transformations. Energy Research & Social Science, 93, 102842. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2022.102842

Search via ReFindit


Liersch, S., Koch, H., & Hattermann, F. F. (2017). Management Scenarios of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and Their Impacts under Recent and Future Climates. Water, 9(10), Article 10. https://doi.org/10.3390/w9100728

Search via ReFindit


Lietuvos Respublikos energetikos ministerija. (2018). NATIONAL ENERGY INDEPENDENCE STRATEGY: ENERGY FOR LITHUANIA’ FUTURE. .pdf https://enmin.lrv.lt/uploads/enmin/documents/files/National_energy_independence_strategy_2018(1)

Search via ReFindit


Lietuvos Respublikos energetikos ministerija. (2024, April 28). Planned Changes to Increase Energy Efficiency in Energy Transformation. https://enmin.lrv.lt/en/news/planned-changes-to-increase-energy-efficiency-in-energy-transformation/

Search via ReFindit


Lietuvos vėjo elektrinių asociacija. (2022, March 25). Offshore wind energy development in Lithuania is in the focus of attention of business and government, but approaches differ. Lvea.Lt. https://lvea.lt/en/offshore-wind-energy-development-in-lithuania-is-in-the-focus-of-attention-of-business-and-government-but-approaches-differ/

Search via ReFindit


Lietuvos vejo elektriniu asociacija. (2022). Wind energy in Lithuania 2022. Lvea.Lt. https://lvea.lt/en/lithuanian-statistics/

Search via ReFindit


Maged, M. (2023). THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF REGULATION TO SCALE-UP RE DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA TO ACHIEVE SDGS: LESSONS FROM NORTH AFRICA AND MIDDLE EAST. https://www.arei.info/docs/rub18ssr6/THE_IMPORTANT_ROLE_OF_REGULATION_TO_SCALE_UP___RE_DEVELOPMENT_IN_AFRICA_TO_ACHIEVE_SDGS___LESSONS_FROM_NORTH_AFRICA_AND_MIDDLE_EASTcalb469163.pdf

Search via ReFindit


Media, F. (2020). Kruonis Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Power Plant (KPSHP) | Ignitis gamyba. Kruonis Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Power Plant (KPSHP) | Ignitis Gamyba. https://www.ignitisgamyba.lt/en/our-activities/electricity-generation/kruonis-pumped-storage-hydroelectric-power-plant-kpshp/4188

Search via ReFindit


Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication. (2016, February 5). Noor Ouarzazate, World’s Largest Solar Power Complex. Maroc.Ma. https://www.maroc.ma/en/news/noor-ouarzazate-worlds-largest-solar-power-complex

Search via ReFindit


Miskinis, V., Galinis, A., Konstantinaviciute, I., Lekavicius, V., & Neniskis, E. (2020). Comparative analysis of energy efficiency trends and driving factors in the Baltic States. Energy Strategy Reviews, 30, 100514. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esr.2020.100514

Search via ReFindit


Mukhtar, M., Adun, H., Cai, D., Obiora, S., Taiwo, M., Ni, T., Ozsahin, D. U., & Bamisile, O. (2023). Juxtaposing Sub-Sahara Africa’s energy poverty and renewable energy potential. Scientific Reports, 13(1), 11643. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-38642-4

Search via ReFindit


Murphy, C. (2022). Renewable-Storage Hybrids in a Decarbonized Electricity Supply. https://research-hub.nrel.gov/en/publications/renewable-storage-hybrids-in-a-decarbonized-electricity-supply

Search via ReFindit


OECD. (2022). Africa Energy Outlook 2022. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/energy/africa-energy-outlook-2022_2abd9ce2-en

Search via ReFindit


Ramírez, L., Fraile, D., & Brindley, G. (2019). World Energy Scenarios | 2019: European Regional Perspectives. World Energy Council. https://www.worldenergy.org/publications/entry/world-energy-scenarios-2019-european-regional-perspectives

Search via ReFindit


Red Eléctrica. (2024, May 21). Press release- In 2023, Spain implemented the largest installed solar photovoltaic power system in its history. https://www.ree.es/es

Search via ReFindit


REN21. (2022). RENEWABLES 2022: GLOBAL STATUS REPORT. https://www.ren21.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/GSR2022_Full_Report.pdf

Search via ReFindit


Samrock, F., Grayver, A., Cherkose, B., Kuvshinov, A., & Saar, M. (2020). Aluto-Langano Geothermal Field, Ethiopia: Complete Image Of Underlying Magmatic- Hydrothermal System Revealed By Revised Interpretation Of Magnetotelluric Data. https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000409980

Search via ReFindit


Sandri, S., Hussein, H., Alshyab, N., & Sagatowski, J. (2023). The European Green Deal: Challenges and opportunities for the Southern Mediterranean. Mediterranean Politics, 0(0), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/13629395.2023.2237295

Search via ReFindit


Simberg-Koulumies, N. (2024). Just sustainabilities: Lessons from the Lake Turkana Wind Power project in Kenya. Local Environment, 29(1), 40–56. https://doi.org/10.1080/13549839.2023.2249497

Search via ReFindit


Skalamera, M. (2023). The Geopolitics of Energy after the Invasion of Ukraine. The Washington Quarterly, 46(1), 7–24. https://doi.org/10.1080/0163660X.2023.2190632

Search via ReFindit


SolarPower Europe. (2023). EU Market Outlook for Solar Power 2023-2027. https://www.solarpowereurope.org/insights/outlooks/eu-market-outlook-for-solar-power-2023-2027/detail

Search via ReFindit


Streimikiene, D., & Klevas, V. (2007). Promotion of renewable energy in Baltic States. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 11(4), 672–687. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2005.03.004

Search via ReFindit


United Nations Environment Programme. (2022). Emissions Gap Report 2022: The Closing Window—Climate crisis calls for rapid transformation of societies (DEW/2477/NA). https://www.unep.org/emissions-gap-report-2022

Search via ReFindit


Varnagiryte-Kabasinskiene, I., Lukmine, D., Mizaras, S., Beniušienė, L., & Armolaitis, K. (2019). Lithuanian forest biomass resources: Legal, economic and ecological aspects of their use and potential. Energy, Sustainability and Society, 9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13705-019-0229-9

Search via ReFindit


Vezzoli, C., Ceschin, F., Osanjo, L., M’Rithaa, M. K., Moalosi, R., Nakazibwe, V., & Diehl, J. C. (2018). Distributed/Decentralised Renewable Energy Systems. In C. Vezzoli, F. Ceschin, L. Osanjo, M. K. M’Rithaa, R. Moalosi, V. Nakazibwe, & J. C. Diehl (Eds.), Designing Sustainable Energy for All: Sustainable Product-Service System Design Applied to Distributed Renewable Energy (pp. 23–39). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-70223-0_2

Search via ReFindit


Wagner, B., Hauer, C., Schoder, A., & Habersack, H. (2015). A review of hydropower in Austria: Past, present and future development. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 50, 304–314. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2015.04.169

Search via ReFindit


Wang, Y. (2006). Renewable electricity in Sweden: An analysis of policy and regulations. Energy Policy, 34(10), 1209–1220. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2004.10.018

Search via ReFindit


Wind, B. (2024, January 5). LVEA: Lithuanian Wind Energy Sector Achieves Milestones in 2023. Baltic Wind. https://balticwind.eu/lvea-lithuanian-wind-energy-sector-achieves-milestones-in-2023/

Search via ReFindit


World Bank Group, African Development Bank, & European Investment Bank. (2017). Morocco: Noor Ouarzazate Concentrated Solar Power Complex. https://ppp.worldbank.org/public-private-partnership/sites/ppp.worldbank.org/files/2022-02/MoroccoNoorQuarzazateSolar_WBG_AfDB_EIB.pdf

Search via ReFindit


World Bank Group. (2004, April 5). Lithuania Country Assistance-Evaluation. https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/pt/434161468773124836/pdf/Lithuania-Country-Assistance-Evaluation.pdf

Search via ReFindit


Zhong, J., Bollen, M., & Rönnberg, S. (2021). Towards a 100% renewable energy electricity generation system in Sweden. Renewable Energy, 171, 812–824. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2021.02.153

Search via ReFindit