History and modernity side by side

One of the oldest Lithuanian energy companies SC Klaipeda Energy is the largest producer and supplier of centralized heat in Western Lithuania. Constructed in 1929, it was the first coal heated power plant of the city. It still stands on a hundred years old oak poles.

In two decades after 1960, the city grew rapidly and reached the population of 200.000. With the growth of the city, energy demand was also increasing. A rational and economical utilization of nature and energy resources, with strict compliance of environmental requirements, is one of the most significant objectives of the company.

In 2006 SC Klaipeda Energy became the first Lithuanian heat producer to be awarded management quality certificate ISO 9001 and environment protection management certificate ISO 4001.

The main fuel to produce centralized heat is natural gas (about 95%), the reserve fuel is crude oil. The amount of the used crude oil decreases every year, and the pollution of environment with "the greenhouse gas" carbon and sulphur dioxide, is falling down significantly.

In 2005, over 3 mln EUR was invested into modernization of the company from its own means. During the coming five years 15,5 mln. EUR worth investment is planned for modernization of heating economy. Part of the means for investment projects will come from the EU Structural Funds. At the moment the implementation of the project "Renewal of heating networks introducing modern technologies in Klaipeda city" was initiated. Using the company's own financial sources and the means of Structural Funds, SC Klaipeda Energy will reconstruct 9,6 km of old heating pipelines in 2006 -2007. Having completed this project, the company will save expenses on fuel, electricity, water, liquidation of accidents. Rational management of heating economy, and the growing awareness of customers, that a centralized heating is the cheapest and ecologically most reliable, give fruit.

The prognoses are very advantageous to Klaipeda - cargo turnover in the port of Klaipeda increases, new foreign companies come to Klaipeda Free Economic Zone - the demand for energy will be growing. And this is the best news for the leaders and clients of SC Klaipeda Energy. For the formula of success is simple - the more clients - the cheaper heat for you.

by Mr Vytautas Valutis