Ignitis Renewables strengthens ties with communities: from educational programmes to long-term financial support

This summer, the international green energy company Ignitis Renewables strengthened its ties with communities across Lithuania through educational programmes, local events and joint initiatives. The company’s team took part in no fewer than 18 events, where they met thousands of residents, encouraged them to learn more about renewable energy and discussed how the energy transition creates value for local regions. Residents were able to see that wind energy can be accessible and understandable when presented in a straightforward way – through hands-on experiences, dialogue and shared activities.

For several years, Ignitis Renewables has been consistently building relations with local communities.  The concept of being good neighbours has three facets: education, participation in communities’ lives and financial support for community projects. In this way, the company aims to ensure that renewable energy in the regions becomes part of positive change.

“It is important for us to be close to people not only when developing energy projects, but also in the day-to-day life of communities. Summer events and educational activities allow us not only to share knowledge, but also to listen to the communities’ expectations, seek solutions together and build long-term partnerships. Such meetings are an important part becoming good neighbours,” says Paulius Kalmantas, Communication Partner at Ignitis Renewables.

Renewable energy – closer to the people

The geographical scope of this summer’s events was exceptionally wide. Ignitis Renewables took part in events, town festivals, community gatherings and educational initiatives throughout Lithuania. From kite-flying and wind festivals to smaller celebrations in Kretinga, Zapyškis, Šventoji, Linkuva, Pušalotas, Guostagalis, Grūžiai, Vaiguva and other locations. All the events featured many friendly encounters, new connections and inspiring conversations.

The aim of these meetings was to highlight the vital role that wind energy plays in shaping the country’s future. “Lithuania’s renewable energy potential exceeds domestic demand several times over. With continued targeted development, Lithuania can not only ensure long-term energy security, but also become a significant exporter of green electricity in the region,” says P. Kalmantas.

At the events, visitors were treated to educational and interactive activities organised by Ignitis Renewables, which helped them learn about renewable energy through hands-on experience. Residents were able to try out electricity-generating bicycles and virtual reality headsets that allowed them to ascend to the top of a wind turbine, whilst learning about the principles of wind energy generation and project development. Such activities felt like a fun game, yet at the same time taught participants how wind generates electricity.

The highlights of the summer’s educational programme were the Palanga Wind Festival, the Ignitis Renewables’ educational zone in the resort, the international kite festival Vėjų vėjai, and the festival Savos Bangos. Sustainable Future Creators’, organised in collaboration with the Lithuanian Sea Museum.

For two whole weeks in Palanga, residents and visitors were invited to explore energy through games, movement and experiments. The interactive activities gave both children and adults the chance not only to learn about wind energy, but also to experience it first-hand. Such experiences help to make complex energy topics understandable and interesting for people of all ages.

At the international kite festival, thousands of visitors not only marvelled at the impressive kites, but also learnt about wind energy and its significance for Lithuania’s future.

The summer’s activities were symbolically rounded off by the Savos bangos festival in Klaipėda, which brought together scientists, business representatives, creators, environmental organisations and communities. The festival featured discussions on sustainability, future technologies and the role of people in creating a more sustainable Lithuania.

One of the year’s key highlights was the third Ignitis Renewables community gathering, held in Kaunas, which brought together more than 150 representatives from 20 communities and associations across various regions of Lithuania. During the gathering, experiences were shared, community initiatives were presented, and energy education sessions were organised for children.

It is not just meetings that strengthen communities

Community events form part of Ignitis Renewables’ wider programme of being good neighbours. The company not only develops renewable energy projects but also invests in community initiatives near its wind farms.

Over the past four years, more than EUR 1.3 million in funding has been allocated to implement over 60 community projects in Lithuania. Communities in Kelmė, Mažeikiai, Tauragė, Jurbarkas, Kretinga and other regions are using these funds to renovate public spaces and support cultural, social and educational initiatives.

The ongoing partnership between Ignitis Renewables and local communities is already yielding clear results – there is a growing number of completed projects, active initiatives and public engagement. This demonstrates that renewable energy can generate not only clean energy but also long-term value for the regions and the country as a whole.