Analysis of sustainable liquid fuel production and usage in Lithuania in compliance with the National Energy Strategy and EU policy

Abstract The article provides the analysis of production and usage of sustainable liquid fuels (biodiesel and bioethanol) in Lithuania in compliance with the National Energy Strategy and European policy. With regard to the principles of economic, environmental and social sustainable development and evaluating biofuel supply sources, the national aim is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the consumption of fossil fuel, especially in transport sector. The use of alternative fuels in the EU-28 is regulated by Directives, and in many countries, liquid biofuels are blended with mineral fuels. In Lithuania, the share of liquid biofuels reached 5.75% of the total volume of transport fuel in 2010, and this share should increase to 10% until 2020. In the Baltic States, as well as in other East European countries (Finland and others), biodiesel is produced mainly from the rapeseed oil and bioethanol – from the starch containing cereals (wheat, triticale, etc.), sugar beet or potatoes. Lithuania promotes production of liquid biofuel via economic and legal measures. Revised legislation provides favourable conditions for the development of biofuel production. Established biofuel production framework exceeds the capacities, which are required by Lithuania's obligations, related to liquid biofuel consumption in transport sector. In the article, the liquid biofuel production and the tasks for reduction of GHG emissions in the EU and Lithuania were overviewed. The analysis of biofuel production and policy in Lithuania was carried out. Energy from RES and the share of liquid biofuels were investigated. The trends of the liquid biofuel production and consumption were reviewed. The selection of biofuel feedstock was disclosed. The legislations regulating production and consumption of biofuels in Lithuania were shown. The evaluation of biofuels impact on environmental pollution was performed. National policy regarding the increase of biofuels use in Lithuania was presented.