Lithuania and Norway Talk Energy Independence

Leaders of Norway and Lithuania have been discussing increased imports of Norwegian natural gas to the smaller Baltic country.

President Dalia Grybauskaite and Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg focused on Norway's possible role in helping Lithuania work towards energy independence, according to a statement on the presidential website. 

The president and the prime minister discussed the possibilities of importing Norwegian natural gas and electricity generated at hydroelectric power plants in Norway.

"When we are no longer dependent on the single supplier, we will pay for gas and electricity the market prices, not the prices dictated by the monopolist. Norwegian natural gas and electricity is one of the possibilities to reduce dependence on Russia," Gyybauskaite said. Lithuania is heavily dependent on Russia and its gas supplier, Gazprom, which exported 3.3 bcm to it last year.

All three Baltic states - Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia - would have an alternative for natural gas supplies when the LNG terminal being constructed in Klaipeda begins operations next year. A special ship for the Klaipeda terminal will be built by the Norwegian Company Hoegh LNG.

Norway is Lithuania's fifth largest investor and ranks 11th among its export markets. Lithuania is about to assume the presidency of the European Council, for a six-month stint.