The Lithuanian Government has discussed the possibility of developing nuclear energy and has agreed to establish a working group at the Ministry of Energy. This will involve the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant in preparing development options while the State Nuclear Power Safety Inspectorate was tasked with submitting proposals on safety regulations.
Ignalina NPP (INPP) comprised two Soviet-supplied water-cooled graphite-moderated channel-type RBMK-1500 reactors. Unit 1 came online in 1983 and unit 2 in 1987. Following the Chornobyl accident, both units were de-rated to 1360 MWe. Lithuania agreed to close the plant as part of its accession agreement to the European Union (EU). Ignalina 1 closed in 2004 and Ignalina 2 in 2009 after which Lithuania became an energy importer. The past few years has seen INPP focusing on defuelling the reactors, which are expected to be fully decommissioned by 2038. The work is mostly funded by the EU through the European Bank for Reconstruction & Development (EBRD) and other funds.
“The return of nuclear energy to the agenda of strategic issues shows that Lithuania is thinking ahead – seeking long-term stability, energy independence and progress,” said INPP Director General Linas Baužys. “Considering the growing demand for electrical energy in Lithuania, which is projected to increase more than threefold by 2050, it is necessary to realistically assess the potential of various generation sources to ensure clean, reliable and competitive energy in the country and the region. Small modular reactors (SMRs) are one of the potential directions that should be seriously and professionally evaluated.”
He added that INPP, with its many years of experience in the field of nuclear energy, is ready to actively cooperate with the working group and contribute to the preparation of a feasibility study, both at the expert and technical level. “Our enterprise has accumulated expertise in nuclear energy not only in the operation, but also in the decommissioning of nuclear facilities, and this experience is invaluable when planning new nuclear capacities,” he noted.
Representatives from relevant state institutions, scientific institutions and energy sector companies will work in the planned working group to assess the development opportunities. The group’s task is to conduct a detailed analysis, involve the public, cooperate with international experts and, prepare a report based on assessments of SMR projects. The report will present strategic directions and an action plan for the development of nuclear energy in Lithuania. INPP will carry out the necessary studies and prepare reports and other documents needed to make informed decisions.
Lithuania’s National Energy Independence Strategy approved last year envisages a nuclear capacity of 1.5 GWe by 2050. It stipulates that a decision on the installation of SMRs should be taken by 2028, with the first 500 MWe reactor operating by 2038 and the remaining reactors by 2050.
