Sustainable development and Lithuanian district heating

LTReikšminiai žodžiai: Darnus vystymasis; Centralizuotas šildymas; Energetikos strategija; Konkurencija; Sustainable development; District heating; Energy strategy; Competition.

ENSustainable development which could be understood as a process of achieving a balance between environmental, economic and social aspects is widely investigated and its importance is recognized on the EU level as well. Despite this, district heating sector still lacks the research in regards the sustainability phenomenon. The paper provides relevant literature analysis, investigation of a current status and understanding of district heating sector importance. The evaluation of Lithuanian district heating sector in regards chosen sustainability indicators is given as well. The research results show that Lithuanian district heating development still has not reached the balance between environmental, economic and social aspects. The only environmental indicator shows satisfactory situation. [From the publication]