Energy from renewable electricity sources such as wind and sun contributes to the creation of a cleaner environment, which, according to Paulius Kalmantas, representative of the international green energy company Ignitis renewables, has a positive impact on the quality of life and health of people.
As an initiative of “Ignitis renewables”, renewable energy in Lithuania also leads to greater well-being of local communities located near wind power parks.
So what are the 10 most relevant benefits of green energy?
- A cleaner environment
One of the most important advantages of renewable energy is the benefit to the environment. Wind farms are a clean way to generate energy. According to the data of the Association of Lithuanian Wind Power Plants, after producing one kilowatt-hour of electricity in a wind power plant, a footprint of 10 grams of carbon dioxide is left, in a natural gas-fired power plant – about 40 times, and when burning coal for electricity production – even 90 times higher.
- Health benefits
According to the World Health Organization, exposure to air pollution is associated with the death of approximately one in eight people worldwide. Before starting the development of the wind power park, an Environmental Impact Assessment is carried out, which shows where wind energy can be developed so that it does not affect both people and nature. Since renewable energy makes it possible to live in a cleaner environment, it can also have a positive impact on human health.
- Reducing climate change
You don’t have to look far for examples of climate change – last summer Lithuania was devastated by a huge hailstorm, this year there were huge floods. In the future, if important steps are not taken, natural phenomena that are not typical for our climate zone may increase significantly. And one of the ways to reduce climate change is renewable energy.
- Energy independence is increasing
Renewable energy projects are being developed, a large part of which is in the Klaipėda region, and the existing capacities allow us to produce part of the electricity ourselves, thus reducing the use of fossil fuels and imports. In this way, we can produce electricity ourselves and the energy independence of the country is increased.
- Financial benefits
During the development of energy projects, the budget of the country and municipality is constantly replenished. The electricity producer pays value added, real estate, land and profit taxes. A production fee is also paid, which is allocated to the well-being and residents of the communities located near the wind farms.
In addition, since the start of construction, the company “Ignitis renewables” has been providing additional voluntary support to communities – to date, 16 projects have already been implemented or financed for approximately 350,000 kroner. euros.
- Helping local businesses
The development of renewable energy projects can also contribute to the creation of greater business opportunities. During the installation and maintenance of wind and solar power parks, accommodation, meals and other services are needed for specialists coming to the municipality.
“Ignitis renewables” and the #EnergySmartSTART program in Taurage are currently conducting an educational session “The color of the wind is green”. It is a project of the local community, inviting tourists from all over Lithuania to the education, during which it is possible to acquire theoretical knowledge about energy in the park of wind farms managed by the company. It promotes tourism, creates new jobs (education is conducted by local residents).
- New job openings
In the spring of 2023, the “Ignitis renewables” initiative – education about wind energy – started in Taurage. They are run by members of the local community. In order to educate the public and involve local communities in educational activities, the #EnergySmartSTART program, in cooperation with the public institution “Žaliasis regionas” and the Tauragė district municipality administration, presented the first education in Lithuania about wind energy – “The color of the wind is green”. Free educations take place in the houses of the Lauksargiai community and near the wind power park managed by “Ignitis renewables”, and they are conducted by members of the Tauragė district communities trained by the employees of the “Ignitis group” companies.
- Strengthening the community
“Ignitis renewables” strives to strengthen communities located near renewable energy parks, provides support for their social, educational, artistic, cultural, scientific and sports projects.
In Lithuania, “Ignitis renewables” has taken an additional step – it takes care of the well-being of the communities living near the company’s renewable energy parks that are being developed, built or are already operating. You don’t have to look far for good examples – in the districts of Mažeikiai, Kretinga, Tauragė, Jurbarkas and Klaipėda, many projects have been implemented by equipping facilities for organizing community gatherings, events or sports competitions, improving the lighting of the areas. Last year alone, the funding provided to community projects amounted to about 350 thousand. euros.
- Contributes to the education of students
Energetika also pays great attention to the little ones, which is why they create programs adapted to them. Some of them – about energy saving, others – introducing the energy sector, involving teachers of their fields, well-known people in the society.
Responsible use of energy becomes especially important in order to reduce the negative impact on nature and the climate. However, it is noticeable that the young generation lacks knowledge and skills in the field of efficient energy consumption, and this topic does not necessarily find a proper place in educational programs. In order to change the situation, the first energy efficiency education program of national importance was presented in Taurage, which will be implemented in 2023. also applied in Plunge district.
The most talented children studying energy-related sciences have the opportunity to receive an Ignitis renewables scholarship.
- An inexhaustible source
Green energy comes from renewable energy sources, so it is very unlikely that they will ever run out. For example, the sun is scheduled to shine for at least another few billion years, and the wind is also inexhaustible, so resources will not decrease until the sun shines and the wind blows. Likewise, if we were to look to the future, we should have a lot of renewable energy and not only produce the necessary demand, but also become a country that exports electricity.
#benefits #wind #energy #cleaner #environment #stronger #community
– 2024-04-09 11:42:35
