We are nearing the completion of technical design work for our 375 MWp solar park in the Dūkštas eldership and aim to secure the construction permits by mid-next year. We hope to commence to begin the multi-million-euro project immediately afterward, subject to market conditions.

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The Dūkštas solar park project, which began in 2021, is gradually approaching realization. On Wednesday, September 18, local and international managers of Aura Power, Lucy Maizels, Deputy Ambassador of the British Embassy in Lithuania, Ignalina  Deputy Mayor Vaidotas Židanavičius, dozens of local residents and other guests attended a project progress event in Dūkštas.

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Representatives of Aura Power expressed satisfaction with the progress of the project and reiterated their strong commitment to its implementation. Being one of the largest solar parks in Lithuania, covering almost 900 hectares, is challenging in terms of design and infrastructure, but we are continuing to work on technical aspects and hope to finalise them in the first half of next year, consequently obtaining construction permits by mid-2025. If all goes according to plan, construction would start immediately, with commercial electricity production expected by mid-2028.

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Peter Sermon, Head of Global Development at Aura Power, while speaking in Dūkštas, noted that certain regulatory challenges had somewhat slowed the project last year. However, the solar park is now entering its final stages of development.

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"We are particularly pleased with Lithuania's updated solar energy goals, which foresee a 500% increase in production capacity to 5.1 GW. The Dūkštas solar park will make a significant contribution to this goal, and as British investors, we are especially proud to support the country's energy independence," said P. Sermon.

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The planned investment in the project is expected to be several hundred million euros, although the exact figure is difficult to estimate due to fluctuating prices/costs for solar modules, capital and other variables.

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Lucy Maizels, the United Kingdom’s Deputy Ambassador in Lithuania, while speaking in Dūkštas, congratulated Aura Power and the Ignalina region on the progress made in developing such an important project.

“The Embassy is delighted to see one of the largest British investments in Lithuania begins to bear fruit. Solar energy is an essential part of the energy transition, which is the first step in the journey to net zero. This project will significantly shift the dial. Lithuania has almost doubled solar energy production in the last 12 months. With this project, Lithuania will be one step closer to reaching their aim of producing not less than 4.1 gigawatts of solar power by 2030. This means cleaner environment, more energy independence, and more energy security, which is good for Lithuania, Europe, and the world.” said Ms Maizels.

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According to Mindaugas Mikalčius, Aura Power's Project Development Manager, most residents, landowners and businesses in the Dūkštas region are eagerly awaiting the construction of the solar park, and the project has the support of the local municipality. In addition to the large-scale green energy infrastructure, the solar park will create hundreds of jobs during construction, opportunities for local businesses in accommodation, catering and other sectors, provide additional revenue for municipal and community budgets. [It’s development will also result in] improved and strengthened roads, as well as other benefits.

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"Our main scenario is to start construction as soon as we receive the [construction] permits. However, we do not rule out that the current uncertainty in electricity and financial markets, supply chains and other areas could delay the project's start. We are actively working on securing financing and believe that Lithuania's growing economy, rising energy demands and strategic goals for sustainability and energy independence will make the Dūkštas solar park project competitive and relevant," said M. Mikalčius.

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The activities at the event were welcomed by Vaidotas Židanavičius, the Deputy Mayor of Ignalina.

"I am pleased that 'Aura Power' is actively participating in the social and cultural life of our region. It is also gratifying that during the upcoming construction, companies from Ignalina District will be employed. I wish for continued smooth communication and cooperation," said V. Židanavičius.

In Lithuania, Aura Power has also started preparatory work on 50 MW and 70 MW energy storage projects in the Kaišiadorys and Šalčininkai districts. We are also working to develop additional solar parks and other energy projects across the country.

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Founded in 2013 in the United Kingdom, Aura Power specialises in large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage projects. Its portfolio includes over 12 GW of projects in development in the UK, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Germany, Canada, the US and other countries. Aura Power collaborates with leading German engineering firm ib Vogt GmbH to construct their projects, and have over 80 projects built and operational. 

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