Lithuania plans to develop at least 10 new power plants with a combined capacity of 800 megawatts (MW) as part of a national initiative to protect electricity supplies against sabotage, cyberattacks, extreme weather and other emergencies.
The programme, announced by electricity transmission operator Litgrid on November 10, 2026, will require €880 million in private investment. It also forms part of a wider plan to divide the national electricity system into seven independently operating regional zones.
The proposed system, described as an “energy islands” concept, would allow selected regions to maintain electricity supplies if the main 330-kilovolt transmission network becomes unavailable. Therefore, instead of depending entirely on a centralised grid, Lithuania aims to establish local generation and operating arrangements that can keep essential services supplied during major disruptions.
The plan follows heightened concern over the security of critical energy infrastructure in the Baltic region. Lithuania borders Russia and Belarus. The country has been strengthening its electricity system against both physical and digital threats. Consequently, the new plants are intended to provide flexible generation that can operate independently of the wider network when required. This is while existing power stations will also be upgraded to support emergency operation.
800MW of generation capacity planned from new power plants in Lithuania by 2033
Under Litgrid’s concept, at least 10 new power plants will be installed near key transmission-network nodes across different parts of Lithuania. Together, the facilities will provide 800MW of additional flexible generation capacity. The plants will be selected through competitive, technology-neutral tenders. It will not be through a government mandate for a particular fuel or generation technology.
The facilities will also need to start operating within 30 minutes and provide flexible output in response to changing system requirements. The 10 new power plants in Lithuania will also be capable of continuous operation for up to two weeks during an emergency. This makes dependable fuel supply and operational readiness important considerations in the eventual technology selection.
Furthermore, natural gas is considered a likely option because gas-fired plants can start relatively quickly. They can also supply power for extended periods. However, Litgrid has not restricted the procurement process to gas, leaving the final technology choices to market participants that can meet the technical requirements.
The €880 million figure represents the expected private-sector investment in the 10 new power plants in Lithuania. It is not a construction budget or an awarded contract value. Private developers are expected to build and operate the facilities. They will then sell electricity into the market under normal conditions and receive separate payments for providing emergency standby and isolated-operation services. Litgrid also expects to procure these services through competitive auctions and sign 15-year service contracts with successful providers.
Seven regional energy islands to support emergency power supplies
The 10 proposed energy islands in Lithuania will cover seven regions: Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipeda–Mazeikiai, Siauliai–Panevezys, Alytus, Jurbarkas and Utena. Each zone is intended to operate independently during major transmission disruptions. This is designed to help maintain electricity supplies even if other parts of the country are disconnected from the main grid.
Litgrid plans to implement the programme in two phases.
Phase 1, 2028–2033: Four energy islands covering Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipeda–Mazeikiai and Siauliai–Panevezys are planned to gain isolated-operation capability. Existing power stations will be upgraded where necessary to support the first stage.
Phase 2, from 2033: The system is intended to expand to at least seven energy islands covering the entire country. They will also provide additional services to support rapid and gradual restoration after a major disruption.
The first four zones could begin operating independently on a limited basis as early as 2028, although full implementation will require new generation facilities and upgrades to existing plants. Regulatory changes and the successful procurement of the required services also factor in.
The concept is designed to preserve electricity supply during exceptional conditions. It will not replace Lithuania’s interconnected national grid during normal operation.
Procurement and construction outlook
Litgrid launched a public consultation on its 10 new power plants plan on November 10, 2026. The consultation is scheduled to run until December 10, 2026. This will give market participants and other stakeholders an opportunity to comment on the proposed framework.
Subject to the required legal and regulatory arrangements, the first procurement tenders could take place in 2027. Successful bidders would be expected to install the new flexible generation capacity within five years. They will then provide regional isolated-operation services under 15-year contracts.
The programme will depend on whether private investors submit competitive bids. It will also depend on whether they can deliver plants that meet the required response times, operating duration and reliability standards. Other challenges include permitting, grid connections, fuel availability and potential local opposition to new power stations.
The technology-neutral approach also leaves room for alternative fuels and generation solutions, provided they satisfy the operational requirements. Nevertheless, the need to operate continuously during prolonged periods without wind or solar generation is likely to influence investment decisions.
Implications for Lithuania’s energy security
The initiative reflects a shift towards a more decentralised approach to electricity-system resilience. By developing local generation capacity and enabling regional networks to operate independently, Lithuania aims to reduce the risk that a major failure at a central transmission node could cause a nationwide outage.
However, the strategy creates a challenge for the country’s long-term decarbonisation objectives. Lithuania aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and expand renewable energy capacity substantially by 2030. If gas-fired plants become the main option for the new emergency capacity, their environmental impact will depend on how frequently they operate. The impact will also be heavily influenced by the fuels they use and whether they replace older, less efficient generation. This is while the popularity of cleaner power sources such as nuclear continues to grow within the wider region. More countries, including Pakistan continue to increase their nuclear energy portfolio with projects such as the 1.2GW Chashma 5 Nuclear Power Plant.
Lithuania’s new power plants are also expected to serve a dual role. They will participate in the electricity market under normal conditions and providing essential backup capability during emergencies. The effectiveness of the programme will ultimately depend on how well the new facilities, upgraded power stations and regional transmission networks work together.
Key facts for the 10 new power plants planned in Lithuania
Project: Lithuania energy-island and grid-resilience programme
New power plants: At least 10
Combined planned capacity: 800MW
Expected investment: Approximately €880 million in private capital
Project developer and system operator: Litgrid
Main objective: Enable regional electricity systems to operate independently during major grid disruptions
Planned energy islands: Seven
First phase: 2028-2033
Full regional implementation: From 2033
Procurement: Planned competitive, technology-neutral tenders
Current status: Public consultation launched. Procurement and construction planned as next milestones
Principal companies
Litgrid – Lithuania’s electricity transmission system operator. Will also be responsible for developing the isolated-operation concept and procuring the required services.
Lithuanian Ministry of Energy – Responsible for national energy policy.
Private-sector power developers – Expected to finance, construct and operate the new generation facilities following competitive procurement.
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