Sustainable economy development and transition of fuel and energy in Lithuania after integration into the European Union

Abstract

The article describes sustainable development of Lithuanian economy and transition of fuel and energy after the integration of Lithuania into the European Union (EU), covering the period 2004–2012. In 2004–2008 Lithuanian gross domestic product (GDP) increased approximately 1.8 times and Lithuania was one of the most rapidly developing countries in the EU. The average of the yearly growth rate of GDP was 7.1%. In 2008 GDP growth rate decreased to 2.9% whereas in 2009 – down to − 14.8% (the consequences of the global financial crisis). In 2009–2012 Lithuanian economy recovered and GDP reached the volume before the crisis. GDP per capita at current prices in the period 2004–2012 increased about twice from 18.3 to 37.5 thousands LTL (1 LTL=0.2896€). In Lithuania 70–80% of electricity in 2004–2009 was produced from Lithuanian Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant (INPP). The indigenous and renewable energy sources (RES) in 2009 comprised 14.7% of gross inland energy consumption. At the end of 2009 the Lithuanian INPP was closed for the usage of unsafe technologies and the structure of gross inland fuel and energy consumption changed radically. The sector of RES became the driving force of the country's economy. In the analysis the growth rate and the index of GDP in Lithuania are shown. The composition and tendencies of changes of gross inland and the final energy consumption are highlighted. The share of the RES in gross inland energy consumption is indicated. Final fuel and energy consumption by different energy sources and various consumer groups is analysed. The indices of energy intensity and labour productivity in different spheres of economy are presented. The environmental pollution indicators, emissions of greenhouse gas and other air pollutants by all kinds of economic activities are analysed.