Significant financial support from Ignitis Renewables for communities near wind farms

Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company, continues to provide significant financial support to communities located near wind and solar farms that are under development or already in operation. This year, it plans to allocate over EUR 420 thousand to communities. Over the last four years the financial support granted by Ignitis Renewables to communities in Lithuania, Latvia and Poland has reached EUR 2.5 million. The financial support is targeted at strengthening local initiatives, encouraging community involvement and contributing to the creation of a harmonious, safe and sustainable environment. All the financial support granted is voluntary and does not include the generation fee applicable to renewable energy projects provided for by law.

"We develop renewable energy projects to strengthen the energy system and form a competitive price zone in the region. We also strive to bring tangible benefits to the communities located near our operations. Today, the financial support granted by Ignitis Renewables to communities has reached EUR 2.5 million. We will continue to be good neighbours and invest in what matters to people the most, i.e., their ideas, initiatives and opportunities to change their environment," says Darius Maikštėnas, CEO of Ignitis Group.

An invitation to grow

After granting voluntary financial support to local communities for three years, Ignitis Renewables again invites you to be a part of changes. The aim of this year's invitation is to support sustainable and future-oriented initiatives in areas where the company is developing or has already implemented green energy projects. Applications may be submitted by communities operating in the districts of Kelmė, Kretinga, Jurbarkas, and Tauragė, i.e., where Ignitis Renewables is developing or has already implemented wind and solar farms.

Financial support may be granted to legal entities with the status of a support recipient that have been operating for at least one year. The programme's priorities remain the same: energy efficiency, renewables development, environmental protection and climate change mitigation. Any projects that contribute to the responsible, long-term growth of local communities is welcome, including projects related to health, social welfare initiatives, education, culture or entrepreneurship.

Applications will be received by email. All the information about documents, deadlines and the application process will be posted on the company's website in the near future. Now it would be a great time for communities to start gathering members, planning ideas and preparing for activities.

Three years of changes

The involvement of communities in the financial support programme is increasing every year. The first time Ignitis Renewables announced the call for applications was 2022, and since then it has become a consistent, purposefully developed initiative that is already contributing to making real changes in various regions of Lithuania. In the first three years alone, financial support was granted to several dozen communities, ranging from smaller villages to larger settlements leading social, educational, or environmental initiatives.

The amount of financial support grew from EUR 86 thousand in 2022 to over EUR 561 thousand in 2024. This year the allocated amount is EUR 420 thousand, so the total financial support granted in Lithuania will reach almost EUR 1.3 million. This showcases both continuity as well as consistent significant financial contribution to regional communities. Along with financial support grew communities’ confidence and courage to pursue ambitious ideas, and the Ignitis Renewables’ programme is increasingly seen as an opportunity to work towards long-term value.

Among the projects already implemented is a dome built on the grounds of Vydmantai Gymnasium by the initiative of the community. It is a space for outdoor activities, where educational events, meetings and mental health activities take place. Pikeliai used the financial support to renovate a smart bench and facilities for pilgrims, while Lauksargiai used it to purchase traditional clothing and set up a stage for holding events with lighting solutions.

In turn, the Butkiškės Community Association, having received financial support, undertook a major renovation of the community centre. Windows were replaced, electrical wiring was updated, walls, floors, and ceilings were renovated and heat pumps and a stage were installed. This space has become a cultural and meeting center where theatre rehearsals and events take place, local residents gather. The space was modified to facilitate both creativity as well as warmth, cosiness, and community spirit. These examples show that significant financial support can serve as an enabler, helping communities not only to implement their ideas but also to create long-term value for their environment.

“We see more and more communities taking advantage of this opportunity every year. Financial support encourages people to act and their confidence in their ideas – to take on projects that they might not have dared to undertake before. This long-term partnership allows us to build a solid foundation for change, from small initiatives to solutions that transform people's everyday lives, strengthen community spirit and make them proud of their town,” says Emilija Musteikytė, Communities Engagement Team Lead at Ignitis Renewables.

When ideas become real projects

Even small-scale projects can have a significant impact, as demonstrated by the growing number of communities that have seized the opportunity to implement what matters most in their everyday lives. From practical solutions to strengthening community spirit, these initiatives are changing not only the environment, but also people's relationship with it.

Success stories are also born outside of Lithuania. In Poland, near Pomerania wind farm, local artists participated in a painting workshop entitled “En plein air: Artists Meet Among Wind Turbines” whose works were later exhibited in an exhibition. The creative environment among the wind turbines has fostered a sense of unity and interest in renewable energy. In two years, a total around EUR 395 thousand has been granted to communities in Poland. The community programme was launched in Latvia last year, and EUR 270 thousand was granted to the first projects, which are currently being implemented.

In 2025, the financial support to be granted in the three countries amounts to around EUR 900 thousand, including EUR 200 thousand to Poland, and EUR 225 thousand to Latvia. It is a significant investment in local communities, demonstrating that the programme has long-term and international significance.

“When communities are given the opportunity to implement their ideas, the changes come not only to the area, but also to the relationships between people. Such initiatives set an example for others, inspire them to act more boldly and showcase that the development of green energy is not only about electricity, but also about the people living near the projects as well as the opportunity to grow together” says E. Musteikytė.

More about financial support here.