Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company, has completed the largest wind energy project in Lithuania and the Baltic States as Kelme wind farm, with an installed capacity of 314 megawatts (MW), has officially commenced full commercial operations. It is one of the most significant projects in the region for Ignitis Renewables, which will substantially boost local green electricity generation and contribute to green transition in Lithuania and the region.
'The contribution of Kelme wind farm to local electricity generation will be highly impactful. Its annual power output will cover one month of Lithuania’s electricity demand. The wind farm will generate around 1 terawatt-hour (TWh) of electricity per year, which is approximately one-twelfth of the Lithuania’s total annual consumption. Such projects are essential for achieving Lithuania’s long-term goals of sustainable, reliable, and competitive electricity generation,' says Darius Maikštenas, CEO of Ignitis Group.
A project of national significance
Kelme wind farm is the largest of its kind in Lithuania as well as in the entire Baltic region. With 314 MW of installed capacity, the wind farm will play a major role in local electricity generation and marks a leap forward in Lithuanian energy system’s development. The wind farm will generate enough electricity to power approximately a quarter of a million households, which is equivalent to the electricity needs of the entire Kaunas district. Power generation at this scale significantly boosts Lithuania’s local electricity generation. It also reduces dependence on energy imports and increases grid stability.
The project is located in the Kelme district, which makes it one of the most active geographic regions in terms of developing renewables and a renewables hub in Lithuania. The green infrastructure under development here demonstrates that the transition to sustainable energy sources is not just a long-term vision, it is already happening here and now.
'Green energy development is a national strategic goal, and the Kelme district is playing an active role in its pursuit. We are moving forward with a strong sense of responsibility toward both national goals and the expectations of local communities. It is important to us that decisions are made responsibly, in cooperation with and with respect for local residents,' says Ildefonsas Petkevicius, Mayor of Kelme District Municipality.
Built in two stages
Kelme wind farm was built in two stages. In the first stage, which reached the commercial operations date in April 2025, 16 wind turbines were erected with a total installed capacity of 114 MW. In the second phase, which is commencing commercial operations at the moment, 28 more turbines were built, increasing the wind farm’s capacity by an additional 200 MW.
The wind farm now comprises 44 state-of-the-art wind turbines, approximately 7 MW and up to 240 meters tall each. They are the most powerful wind turbines ever installed in Lithuania. The Nordex N163/6.X model was selected for its generation efficiency and suitability for local conditions.
The total investments in the project, including acquisition and construction costs, amounts to approximately EUR 550 million. Kelme wind farm has become a cornerstone project in the Ignitis Renewables green generation portfolio and plays a key role in the Ignitis Group’s strategy to reach 4–5 gigawatts (GW) of installed capacity by 2030 and to build a 100% green energy ecosystem for current and future generations.
Financial support for eight community projects
The launch of Lithuania’s largest wind farm also brings new opportunities for nearby communities. For the first time, eight projects in the Kelme district were awarded financial support from Ignitis Renewables, with a total value of nearly EUR 192 thousand. The funds were used to renovate a community centre, for lighting and heating solutions, events, and other local needs.
The Butkiške community used the funds for the long-awaited renovation of the community centre. Premises on the second floor of the building were not suitable for activities and gatherings. According to the community chair, the renovated space will now serve as a cozy area for creative and leisure activities.
The Vaiguva community will use the funds to install a heating system and backup electricity supply in their community centre as well as to purchase equipment for events. “It’s important that these projects not only meet the current needs, but also contribute to long-term safety and comfort for the residents. These investments help improve the infrastructure and enable future activities that engage more people,” says Dalia Skardžiuviene, Chair of Vaiguva Community and Consultant for Pakevis Community.
Other organisations also received financial support. The Vaiguva Youth Community project Leaders used the funds to improve the sports facilities and purchase technical equipment. The Kražiai Cultural Centre plans to replace outdated courtyard lighting, while the sports club Antivis will organise five sports events.
'We are committed to being good neighbours to the communities located near our wind farms, both operational and under construction. We provide financial support for community projects that improve infrastructure, educate the public and promote cultural activities. Currently, we offer voluntary financial support to communities, and in the future, we will begin paying a generation fee, currently set at 1 euro per megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity generated,' says Giedrius Meškele, Head of Ignitis Renewables in Lithuania.
The communities located near Kelme wind farm will be able to apply for financial support every year.
Beyond financial support, Ignitis Renewables actively engages in community life. In 2024, the company supported five events in the Vaiguva and Kražiai elderships, including local celebrations, educational activities related to renewable energy and cultural performances. The events were held by the communities of Vaiguva, Pakevis, Butkiške and at the Kražiai Festival.
With Kelme wind farm now operational, the region will feel a positive long-term economic impact. Locals and people living nearby can become the technicians and specialists who maintain the wind farm with local companies involved too, i.e., three-year contracts have been concluded with a contractor for cutting grass and maintaining roads. Green energy is delivering value not only to the national energy system, but also to local communities.
Source: Ignitis Renewables
