Ten years for the Waste-to-Energy industry in Lithuania

Over ten years, the amount of waste converted into energy would equal 250 ‘Švyturio arenas’.

The first Waste-to-Energy plant in Lithuania started operating in May 2013, and over a decade, it converted more than 2 million tons of waste into energy. This amount is roughly equivalent to 250 ‘Švyturio arenas’.

This week marks not only the 10th anniversary of the Gren Klaipėda Waste-to-Energy plant but also the entire Waste-to-Energy industry in Lithuania. The plant in Klaipėda was the first of its kind in Lithuania and the Baltic countries. Today, three Waste-to-Energy plants are operating in Lithuania.

A decade ago, the waste problem in Lithuania was very acute. In 2013, as much as 96 % of all waste ended up in landfills, with only 4 % recycled. In comparison, European countries such as Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Germany had already largely ceased landfill operations at that time and successfully recycled or converted their entire waste stream into energy.

Vitalijus Žuta, Country Head of Gren Lietuva, says: “Over a decade, we have fulfilled our promise, and today we pledge to continue cleaning up Lithuania. As a result, our country has moved from the bottom of the waste management table to the side where the best-performing countries are. Based on our pace, it will not take another decade for us to be among the leaders”.

Lithuania sends up to 15 % of municipal waste to landfills today. Approximately a quarter of it is converted into energy, while half is recycled. Although progress is evident, the goal for the future is to eliminate landfills altogether.

About Gren

Gren is a Northern European green energy company with the purpose to energize the future today. We are developing and providing energy solutions that range from sustainable district heating to renewable and industrial energy to meet the daily needs of our customers and communities. We strive to be a partner for progress for each and every customer and support them to reach decarbonization goals together. Gren is currently operating in Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania and United Kingdom and has ambitious growth plans to expand business by actively searching for new efficient solutions and growth opportunities beyond the existing businesses. For more information, please visit www.gren.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

The situation of the waste management sector in 2020

The situation of the waste management sector in 2012

Virtual tour of Gren Klaipėda plant

Further information:

Andrius Kasparavičius, Spokesman, [email protected], +37069817740.