The construction of the largest on-site photovoltaic installation in Lithuania is nearing its final stages. ORLEN Lietuva, a subsidiary of the ORLEN Group, is wrapping up its first solar power plant, which will directly supply the Mažeikiai refinery. With an installed capacity of 44.2 MW, the facility is expected to generate around 45 GWh of electricity annually—helping reduce reliance on external power sources and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
Technical Details & Unique Innovations
Spanning 600,000 m², the plant comprises approximately 68,000 bifacial photovoltaic modules, each rated at 620 Wp. These panels can absorb sunlight from both sides, enabling up to 30% higher efficiency under favorable conditions compared to standard monofacial modules. The system will be integrated with a state-of-the-art medium-voltage switchgear and equipped with advanced energy management solutions, ensuring reliable delivery and operational safety in an industrial setting.
Impact on the Refinery & Region
All of the electricity produced will be consumed on-site, powering the Mažeikiai refinery and its administrative buildings. As one of the largest industrial energy consumers in the Baltic States, the refinery will benefit from a steady, self-generated power source, shielding it from external market fluctuations. ORLEN Lietuva’s leadership highlights that the project supports both environmental goals and competitive positioning, boosting energy independence and regional transformation.
Project Progress & Costs
The project is currently in its final phase, with an estimated 80% completion. Modules are mostly installed, while remaining efforts focus on land preparation, electrical infrastructure installation, and grid integration. Scheduled to begin producing energy early in 2026, the plant’s total investment amounts to around €36 million. The Białystok-based firm Electrum is responsible for delivering the project.
ORLEN Lietuva’s Role in Lithuania’s Economy
ORLEN Lietuva plays a pivotal role in the Lithuanian economy as the nation’s largest taxpayer. Since 2006, the group has invested nearly €4.5 billion in the Mažeikiai refinery. It also oversees key logistics infrastructure, including the Butingė terminal—a major oil import port—and the Mockava rail terminal, important for exporting refinery products.
ORLEN Group’s Energy Transition Strategy
The solar power plant in Mažeikiai aligns with ORLEN Group’s ORLEN 2035 strategy, which targets increasing renewable energy capacity to 12.8 GW by 2035, through investments in solar, wind, and energy storage solutions totaling 1.4 GW of storage capacity.
