Lithuania to look into nuclear energy options
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The working group, within the Ministry of Energy, will involve experts from the shut-down Ignalina nuclear power plant, with the State Nuclear Energy Safety Inspectorate due to submit safety regulation proposals.
Lithuania's National Energy Independence Strategy last year predicted that demand for electricity was set to increase from 24 TWh in 2030 to 74 TWh in 2050. The Ministry of Energy says "taking into account the challenges of climate change management, energy security goals and studies carried out, one of the possible solutions is the installation of nuclear reactors with a capacity of up to 1.5 GW in Lithuania".
The national strategy said a decision on the installation of small modular reactors (SMRs) should be made by 2028 with the first operating by 2038.
Two large RBMK reactors at the Ignalina nuclear power plant provided 70% of Lithuania's electricity until their closure in 2004 and 2009 as a condition of the country joining the European Union. The power plant is being decommissioned by Ignalina NPP, which has removed fuel from the reactors and placed it into dry casks for interim storage at the site. The decommissioning process is due to last until 2038.
Linas Baužys, Ignalina NPP Director General, said: "The return of nuclear energy to the agenda of issues of strategic importance shows that Lithuania is thinking ahead - striving for long-term stability, energy independence and progress. Considering the growing demand for electricity in Lithuania, which is predicted to increase more than threefold by 2050, it is necessary to realistically assess the possibilities of various generation sources to ensure clean, reliable and competitive energy in the country and the region. Small modular reactors are one of the potential directions that is worth considering seriously and professionally.
"Our company has accumulated nuclear energy competencies not only in the operation, but also in the closure of a nuclear facility, and this experience is invaluable when planning new nuclear capacities."
The energy ministry said the working group's task is to "conduct a detailed analysis, involve the public, cooperate with international experts and, based on the assessments and small nuclear reactor projects, prepare a report. It will present strategic directions and an action plan for the development of nuclear energy in Lithuania. The expert assistance functions have been assigned to the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant. It will conduct the necessary studies, prepare reports and other documents necessary for making informed decisions".
