1st stakeholder seminar of Biržai District
1. Presentation of the Repower Industries project
Giedrius Neviera and Renata Grazinienienė introduced the Repower Industries project, focusing on enhancing the Biržai District Municipality's Action Plan for the Development of the Use of Renewable Energy 2021-2030 as part of the Strategic Development Plan 2023-2030. Jurga Bagamolovienė urged participants to collaborate and share challenges, encouraging organizations to consider joining the Renewable Energy Community (REC).
2. Sharing best practices - the benefits of solar PV
Solar plants have been installed at Biržai nursery "Genys" and Biržai Hospital, with both organizations sharing their experiences. Laimutė Špokienė, from "Genys," reported annual savings exceeding EUR 10,000 and plans for energy efficiency improvements at Rugelis branch. Petras Bimba of Biržai Hospital noted their solar plant supplies 2/3 of energy needs, identifying a strong demand for energy storage systems to enhance savings and independence from ESO. He and his team are also contemplating vertical wind turbines for energy generation.
3. Plans, expectations, and challenges for public sector organizations
Linas Kulbis from Biržai Heat Networks highlighted challenges in obtaining power from ESO for DNSBs, compounded by legislative mismatches. Jolanta Jasinskytė expressed limitations for solar installation due to space constraints and finances, despite available power from ESO. Adolfas Rinkūnas shared that calculated solar contributions would only meet 10% of energy needs due to regulatory and financial barriers. Sandra Brazauskienė discussed plans for electric buses and the need for energy production amidst changing energy storage conditions. Dainius Korsakas spoke on developing a curriculum for renewable energy technicians and exploring energy installations at the Training Centre.
4. Summary and agreement for the next meeting
Meeting participants recognized the need to deepen their understanding of renewable energy legislation and solutions. They expressed a desire to meet with ESO representatives and showed interest in investment discussions. Giedrius Neviera committed to organizing a future meeting with renewable energy experts and ESO for continued collaboration toward energy independence.