Lithuania explores nuclear option with small modular reactors

Lithuania establishes a working group tasked with assessing the feasibility of modular nuclear reactors to meet electricity demand estimated at 74 TWh by 2050.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

Lithuania has officially launched a working group under the direction of its Ministry of Energy, tasked with evaluating possibilities offered by nuclear energy. This committee, notably composed of experts from the former Ignalina nuclear power plant, will have to prepare a report on opportunities related to the potential deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

Historical and energy context

According to the National Energy Independence Strategy adopted last year, electricity consumption in Lithuania is expected to rise from 24 TWh in 2030 to 74 TWh in 2050. The ministry indicates that considering climate management imperatives and energy independence objectives, SMRs could be a relevant solution. The envisaged capacity for these reactors is estimated up to 1.5 GW.

The country, previously heavily reliant on nuclear energy thanks to two large RBMK reactors at Ignalina, had to close these facilities in 2004 and 2009 respectively to comply with requirements for integration into the European Union (EU). The plant is currently being decommissioned, a process managed by Ignalina NPP, the company historically operating the site. This project is expected to last until 2038, also the anticipated date for the first new reactors to become operational.

Local experience and skills mobilized

Linas Baužys, director general of Ignalina NPP, highlights the strategic importance of nuclear energy in national discussions: “The reintroduction of nuclear among strategic issues demonstrates Lithuania’s willingness to anticipate challenges by aiming for long-term stability, energy independence, and progress.” He adds that the experience accumulated by the company, both in operating and decommissioning nuclear facilities, is “valuable in planning new capacities.”

According to government forecasts, a definitive decision regarding the implementation of SMRs is expected in 2028, with operation scheduled to begin ten years later. In the meantime, Ignalina NPP will be tasked with conducting technical and safety studies, preparing detailed reports and other documents necessary for an informed government decision.

Next steps and technical implications

The ministry’s working group will have to conduct a detailed analysis involving public consultations and international cooperation to develop a strategic action plan based on rigorous evaluations. Furthermore, the State Nuclear Energy Safety Inspectorate is responsible for drafting regulatory proposals governing the safety of these future reactors.

According to the ministry’s clarifications, Ignalina NPP’s technical assistance will support these preliminary works by providing necessary expertise to identify technical and regulatory challenges to overcome. The clearly stated objective is to provide public decision-makers with a comprehensive view of technical opportunities and constraints involved in the potential revival of a national nuclear programme.

The reactor vessel for Unit 1 at Egypt’s El Dabaa nuclear plant has been delivered following a 20-day maritime transport from Saint Petersburg, marking a critical milestone in the country’s energy project.
Ontario Power Generation secures CAD3bn ($2.1bn) in public equity financing to construct four modular reactors at Darlington, aiming to ease private sector entry into next-generation nuclear infrastructure.
French developer Newcleo launches a joint venture with Nextchem through a EUR70 mn contract to design the conventional island of its upcoming 200 MW modular nuclear reactors.
NANO Nuclear strengthens its North American strategy by acquiring Global First Power in Canada, securing regulatory rights for its KRONOS MMR™ project at Chalk River.
South Korea becomes the first country to submit a safeguards technical report to the IAEA for a small modular reactor, setting a precedent for early integration of non-proliferation requirements in nuclear design.
The Environmental Authority criticises the lack of key data on health risks, chemical discharges and construction safety for EDF's two upcoming EPR2 reactors in Seine-Maritime.
Brazil and China have concluded a three-year agreement to secure access to essential radioisotopes for the medical, industrial and scientific sectors, with no financial exchange between the parties.
US-based developer Last Energy will deploy its first domestic microreactor at Texas A&M-RELLIS, marking a strategic step in the advanced modular reactor race.
PGE acquires ZE PAK's stake in the joint venture responsible for developing Poland’s second nuclear site, consolidating a strategic asset within its energy portfolio.
Amazon unveils new visuals of its upcoming nuclear site, marking a key step in its partnership with X-energy to deploy up to 960 MW of modular nuclear capacity in Washington state.
Canadian uranium producer NexGen Energy has completed a A$1bn ($639mn) equity raise split between North American and Australian markets to support the development of its Rook I project.
Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings is examining the permanent closure of units 1 and 2 at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, the oldest at the site, while continuing efforts to restart unit 6.
The formal expiration of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran comes as international sanctions have already been reinstated and diplomatic negotiations remain stalled.
Oklo, newcleo and Blykalla partner to develop advanced nuclear fuel infrastructure in the United States, backed by a planned $2bn investment.
enCore Energy has identified three new uranium roll fronts at its Alta Mesa project, with ongoing drilling aimed at defining their extent and accelerating development work.
California-based Radiant will build its first microreactor production facility in Oak Ridge, on a former Manhattan Project site, with production targeted at 50 units per year by 2028.
EDF restarted the Flamanville EPR reactor after repairing non-compliant valves, delaying the target of reaching full power output of 1,620 MW until the end of autumn.
Nano Nuclear and the University of Illinois will begin drilling operations for the KRONOS MMR™ reactor on October 24, marking a key step toward commercialisation of the nuclear project on the Urbana-Champaign campus.
Natura Resources is finalising construction of the MSR-1, an advanced liquid-fuel nuclear reactor, with a planned launch in 2026 on the Abilene Christian University campus.
JPMorganChase commits $10bn in direct investments as part of a $1.5tn plan to boost energy independence and strategic technologies, including next-generation nuclear power.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.