Pikeliai and Lūšė, two small towns in the Mažeikiai district of Lithuania, have experienced growth and increased community activity in recent years, with support from Ignitis Renewables, a green energy company operating a wind farm nearby.
The Pikeliai community centre has become a central hub for local residents. After the closure of the nursery school in 2019, the building was renovated by the community. Danielius Gedutis, former chair of the Kuriame Kartu community group, explained: “In 2019, after the nursery school was closed, these premises remained unused and abandoned. So, the residents of the Pikeliai community decided to renovate the premises.” The centre now hosts gatherings and offers overnight accommodation for Camino Lituano pilgrims.
Jadvyga Gedutienė, a local guide in Pikeliai, highlighted several landmarks including the Holy Trinity Church—built in 1752—which she described as “one of the most impressive wooden Baroque churches in Lithuania and the only one with seven altars.”
Ignitis Renewables has contributed financial support to various projects in both towns. In Pikeliai, this includes installing a bicycle repair stop for pilgrims on the Camino Lituano route. Jadvyga said: “We used the financial support granted by Ignitis Renewables to install a bicycle repair stop to make it more convenient. It can be used by both community members and anyone who wanders over to our land.”
Additional projects funded by Ignitis Renewables include an illuminated alley leading to a monument for Vytautas the Great using solar batteries, installation of smart benches that charge devices and play audio about local history, publication of a book about Pikeliai, and erection of a town sign. Danielius noted: “We have a smart bench which the youth loves because it can charge smart devices. Additionally, the visiting tourists and pilgrims can enjoy listening to the town’s history while resting on the bench. We have also published a book about Pikeliai and erected a Pikeliai sign.”
Danielius also commented on environmental concerns related to wind turbines: “The Pikeliai town has around 30 stork nests, which means that wind turbines have no negative impact on nature. Ignitis Renewables is important to our community because this neighbour contributes significantly to making the town more beautiful and the wellbeing of its residents,” he said.
In Lūšė, Agnė Petreikienė chairs the local community group. She stated: “Years ago, the building served as a school, but it has been closed for two decades. So, the Lūšė community decided to use the building for its own needs. We are glad to have a home for the community. We take care of it and try to make it as welcoming as possible to all.” She added: “Lūšė has around 200 residents. It’s not much, but we have no empty houses here. And people often visit us… It is brimming with life here.”
With funding from Ignitis Renewables, Lūšė installed outdoor gym equipment and solar-powered lighting so young people could use recreational facilities into evening hours. Petreikienė said: “After receiving funds from Ignitis Renewables, we installed 15 streetlights… Four of them were installed next to the community centre… The remaining streetlights were installed in… Stotis Street where a monument for freedom fighters stands.”
Emilija Musteikytė from Ignitis Renewables commented on their involvement: “Pikeliai and Lūšė clearly showcase that renewables can unite and coexist harmoniously with people… It is important for us to be neighbours who not only produce green energy but also help create vibrant active communities.”
Over three years, financial support provided by Ignitis Renewables for projects in both communities totals more than EUR 87,000.
