# An Overview of Hydrogen's Application for Energy Purposes in Lithuania
## 6 Current Situation and Prospects of Hydrogen Use in Lithuania  
Lithuania pursues a rapid transition to renewable energy and aims to reach 100% energy production from renewable sources by 2050. This ambitious target has spurred energy sector transformation, which is related to the substitution of fossil fuels by hydrogen-based fuels produced locally from renewable energy sources. Lithuania's dependence on oil and natural gas imports can be reduced by successful application of hydrogen in the market. This goal would be implemented as part of the National Energy Independence Strategy (NEIS), approved in 2018 [56]. This strategy is part of National Energy and Climate Action Plan 2021-2030, prepared in line with the requirements set out in the Energy Union Governance Regulation [57]. Gradual transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy and replacement of hydrogen from fossil fuels with hydrogen from renewable sources in the Lithuanian energy industry would contribute to the overall EU and Lithuanian energy and climate change objectives: reduction in fossil fuel dependence, reduction in GHG emissions and increasing the share of renewable energy in the energy mix. Recent global and national developments challenges faced by the Lithuanian industry makes the transition towards climate neutrality more urgent. In recent years, Lithuania has been facing significant energy and climate challenges: high dependence on energy imports and the challenge of ensuring energy security, reducing GHG emissions to meet long-term climate change mitigation targets and the still dominant fossil fuel use compared to all energy sources. Between 2015 and 2021, the production and use of hydrogen from fossil fuels in Lithuania amounted to 260-320 tonnes per year (100% grey hydrogen); a total of 75-80% of the hydrogen produced in Lithuania was used for ammonia, 20-25% for the production of refined petroleum products and approximately 1% for other purposes [58]. Therefore, the potential for the production and use of hydrogen from renewable energy in the industrial sector in Lithuania is linked to economic activities that already use hydrogen (production of refined petroleum products and production of ammonia) and economic activities whose industrial processes require very high and stable temperatures (glass production, cement production, etc.). In addition, ammonia produced from hydrogen from renewable sources could be used for energy storage when balancing Lithuanian energy system. According to Lithuania's national inventory report 2020 [59], the largest contributors to fossil fuel and biomass GHG emissions in Lithuanian industry using grey hydrogen came from ammonia production (AB \"Achema\"), petroleum products production (AB \"ORLEN Lietuva\") and cement production (AB \"Akmenes cementas\"). The industrial processes carried out by these companies use hydrogen for different purposes: in oil refining, hydrogen is used as a process material, and in ammonia production, hydrogen is used as a process raw material. Moreover, they are foreseen to remain the largest green hydrogen users in coming decades. The first nation-wide study ordered by the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania shows that Lithuania has the potential to become a significant stakeholder in the development and transportation of hydrogen resources in Europe [58]. To foster partnerships in the hydrogen sector, the Lithuanian Hydrogen Platform was established in 2020 after signing a cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania and a number of business associations and companies [60]. This platform encompasses various businesses, national research and public sector institutions in achieving national and European energy and climate targets, by means of creating and developing hydrogen technologies. The agreement also includes the development of a National Hydrogen Strategy that promotes the use of hydrogen in energy, industry and transport.