Due to the renewable energies nowadays being of a great relevance in the European Union and recent solar energy sector issues in Lithuania and its relevance to investors and the country, the aim of this bachelor thesis is to create a model that would suggest the measures, actions, improvements for the solar energy sector of Lithuania in order to promote a better development of the sector and achieve more effective results, improve the current situation and future prospects of the solar energy sector in Lithuania and increase the attractiveness of investing in it.
Table of Contents
1. THE RELEVANCE OF THE SOLAR ENERGY SECTOR
1.1. Securing the energy supply
1.2. Effect to the Economy
1.3. Protecting the environment
1.4. Solar energy technologies
1.5. The energy production
1.6. The use of the energy
1.7. Future solar energy demand
1.8. The overview of the Solar Energy sectors of the EU countries
1.9. Screening out the countries with the most advanced solar energy sector
1.10. The short overview of chosen countries and their solar energy sectors
1.10.1. Germany
1.10.2. The United Kingdom
1.10.3. Italy
1.11. Choosing the country for further examples and comparisons
2. THE OVERVIEW OF THE CHOSEN COUNTRIES
2.1. Case: Lithuania
2.1.1. Current situation
2.1.2. Prospects and forecasts
2.1.3. Current conditions for Business
2.2. Case: Germany
2.2.1. Current situation
2.2.2. Prospects and forecasts
2.2.3. Current conditions for Business
2.3. Comparison of the analysed countries
3. DEVELOPING THE MODEL FOR THE PROMOTION OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SOLAR ENERGY SECTOR OF LITHUANIA
3.1. The description of the model
3.1.1. Adopting the Long-Term Strategy
3.1.2. Improving the Feed-In Tariff System
3.1.3. Improving the System of Limitation
3.1.4. Avoiding Making Sudden Changes
3.2. Evaluating the model
Objectives and Topics
The primary objective of this thesis is to create a development model for the solar energy sector in Lithuania to increase investment attractiveness, based on an analysis and comparison with the experience of the European Union, specifically Germany. The research aims to identify key issues within the Lithuanian solar sector and provide evidence-based suggestions for improvement.
- Analysis of renewable energy relevance and solar technology in the EU.
- Comparative assessment of solar energy sectors in Lithuania and Germany.
- Investigation of current administrative and legal barriers for investors in Lithuania.
- Evaluation of feed-in tariff systems and their impact on market stability.
- Development of a promotion model to enhance sectoral growth and investment security.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1. Securing the energy supply
One of the most important reasons for the promotion of the development of solar energy sector in the EU is the need to secure the energy supply. The issue of the energy supply is highly important in this region based on its increasing dependency on fossil fuels (gas and oil) imports that are needed for the transport and electricity generation. Moreover, the EU relies on energy imports for almost half of its energy consumption. Based on the data collected in the 2011, fossil fuels stood for 79% of the regions’ energy consumption. Ergo, the European Union can really benefit from the new ways of energy production, such as electricity production from renewable energy sources, and a raising number of energy suppliers in the region. Solar energy sector, as well as other renewable energy sectors, allows diversifying the energy supply in the EU, this way reducing the risks of supply cuts, price volatility and stimulating efficiency while increasing the competitiveness in the energy sector. According to the European Commission, renewable energy share amounting to 20% could reduce the fossil fuel imports of the EU by nearly 200 million tonnes of oil equivalent per year.
Summary of Chapters
1. THE RELEVANCE OF THE SOLAR ENERGY SECTOR: Defines the role of solar energy within the EU's renewable strategy, highlighting its benefits for energy security, economy, and environment while screening top-performing EU markets.
2. THE OVERVIEW OF THE CHOSEN COUNTRIES: Provides a detailed comparative analysis of Lithuania and Germany, focusing on their respective policies, administrative procedures, and business conditions for solar energy development.
3. DEVELOPING THE MODEL FOR THE PROMOTION OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SOLAR ENERGY SECTOR OF LITHUANIA: Proposes a strategic model for Lithuania, suggesting specific improvements in long-term policy, feed-in tariffs, and limitation systems based on successful German practices.
Keywords
Solar Energy, Photovoltaics, Renewable Energy, Lithuania, Germany, Feed-in Tariff, Investment Attractiveness, Energy Security, European Union, Sustainability, Energy Policy, Market Development, Regulatory Framework, Economic Growth, Sector Promotion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this thesis?
The thesis focuses on analyzing the solar energy sector in Lithuania to identify barriers to growth and proposes a development model based on the successful experience of Germany.
What are the primary themes discussed?
Key themes include renewable energy policies in the EU, investment attractiveness, the impact of administrative barriers, and the effectiveness of feed-in tariff systems.
What is the main goal of the research?
The goal is to create a reasoned development model that increases the attractiveness of the Lithuanian solar energy sector for investors by improving policy and regulatory stability.
Which scientific methods were employed?
The research used literature review, analysis of statistical data, comparative analysis of country-specific policies, graphical representation, and practical calculations to evaluate investment returns.
What does the main body of the work cover?
It covers the relevance of solar energy, an overview of sector leaders in the EU (Germany, Italy, UK), detailed case studies of Lithuania and Germany, and the proposed improvement model.
Which keywords best describe this study?
Keywords include Solar Energy, Photovoltaics, Lithuania, Germany, Feed-in Tariff, Investment Attractiveness, and Energy Policy.
How did the 2011 Lithuanian Law affect investors?
The 2011 Law initially encouraged investment with high tariffs, but subsequent amendments, which slashed these tariffs significantly and retroactively, led to major investor disappointment and numerous lawsuits.
Why is Germany recommended as a role model?
Germany is recommended because it has a stable, long-term policy (EEG), gradual rather than sudden regulatory adjustments, and a proven track record of successfully integrating solar energy into the national grid.
What is the main suggestion for improving the feed-in tariff system?
The thesis suggests extending the period of guaranteed feed-in tariffs from 12 to 20 years to provide investors with a more secure return on investment, which would compensate for lower annual tariff prices.
What is the "system of limitation" problem in Lithuania?
Lithuania's limitation system failed to account for a high volume of small (30 kW) installations, causing the total capacity to exceed initial calculations and leading to sudden, disruptive regulatory changes.
- Quote paper
- Viktorija Širvinskytė (Author), 2013, Solar energy sector development model for Lithuania on the basis of the experience of the EU, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/274599
