Each year, Lithuania moves closer to energy independence by turning to its own renewable resources. A clear example of this transition can be found in Kaunas, the country’s second-largest city, where an ambitious upgrade of the district heating network is underway.

With the support of the European Investment Bank and backed by the EU’s InvestEU programme, the local utility Kauno Energija is modernising and expanding the city’s heating and hot water system. The project brings together biomass, solar power, and advanced storage solutions to ensure cleaner and more efficient energy supply. By cutting dependence on imported gas, it strengthens both Lithuania’s security and the resilience of the European energy system.

The impact on the local community is significant. Around 400,000 residents of Kaunas, the surrounding district, and nearby Jurbarkas will benefit from more reliable and sustainable heating. Thousands of small and medium-sized businesses are also set to gain, with lower risks linked to energy supply and a system better prepared for future challenges.

The project is more than an infrastructure investment: it reflects a shift in how cities like Kaunas approach energy. By combining local renewable resources with modern technologies, Kaunas is reducing emissions, protecting households from volatile fossil fuel prices, and taking a leading role in achieving Lithuania’s climate and energy goals.