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Paper long abstract

Lithuania’s pursuit of energy independence and climate neutrality has accelerated the development of renewable energy infrastructure, particularly wind farms. This process has been strongly shaped by geopolitical pressures, international environmental commitments, and binding European Union climate legislation promoting the rapid expansion of renewable energy. As a result, wind power has been framed as a strategic national priority. Despite generally positive public attitudes toward the green transition, resistance to the local implementation of wind farm projects remains widespread. This opposition often emerges not from rejection of renewable energy itself, but from shortcomings in decision-making processes at the local level. Although Lithuanian law establishes minimum distance requirements between wind farms and residential buildings, communities frequently report limited consultation and inadequate opportunities to participate in planning. In many cases, residents learn about proposed projects through the media rather than through direct engagement, contributing to feelings of marginalisation and distrust. This presentation examines how Lithuanian local communities in Širvintos, Molėtai, and Pagėgiai articulate their concerns regarding wind farm development and attempt to influence policy outcomes – at some instances successfully.