Lithuanian nuclear operator SE Ignalina signs agreement with Newcleo

SE Ignalina, the Lithuanian nuclear operator, has signed a memorandum of understanding with French firm Newcleo to explore the integration of small modular reactors (SMRs) using lead-cooled fast reactor (LFR) technology in Lithuania.

Share:

Subscribe for unlimited access to all the latest energy sector news.

Over 150 multisector articles and analyses every week.

For less than €3/week*

*For an annual commitment

*Engagement annuel à seulement 99 € (au lieu de 149 €), offre valable jusqu'au 30/07/2025 minuit.

SE Ignalina, a Lithuanian company operating in the nuclear sector, signed a memorandum of understanding with Newcleo, a French company specialising in nuclear technology, on July 9. The strategic partnership aims to assess the feasibility of deploying small modular reactors (SMRs) in the Baltic country. Both parties will focus on…

SE Ignalina, a Lithuanian company operating in the nuclear sector, signed a memorandum of understanding with Newcleo, a French company specialising in nuclear technology, on July 9. The strategic partnership aims to assess the feasibility of deploying small modular reactors (SMRs) in the Baltic country. Both parties will focus on integrating lead-cooled fast reactors (LFRs) into Lithuania’s energy grid.

The agreement between SE Ignalina and Newcleo includes several areas of collaboration. One of the main objectives is to evaluate the possibility of integrating these SMRs into the country’s energy mix while considering the management of spent nuclear fuel. The partnership will also focus on evaluating potential sites for the reactors and exploring industrial applications such as hydrogen and ammonia production.

The exploration of advanced technologies follows Lithuania’s initiative to diversify its energy sources while addressing challenges related to nuclear waste management. This collaboration could help strengthen Lithuania’s position in the nuclear energy sector while supporting the transition to more sustainable industrial solutions.

Potential sites and industrial applications
The partnership also includes an in-depth study of suitable sites for SMR deployment. SE Ignalina and Newcleo will analyse the advantages of using this technology for specific industrial applications, such as hydrogen production, which could play an important role in the country’s energy transition.

Modular reactors, due to their smaller size and ability to be deployed more quickly than traditional reactors, are considered a potentially more flexible solution for meeting Lithuania’s long-term energy needs.

Nuclear waste management and technological innovations
Another key aspect of the agreement is the management of spent nuclear fuel. The LFR technology would allow for more efficient recycling of used fuel, thereby reducing waste and maximising resource use. This innovation could also have a significant impact on how Lithuania manages its own nuclear waste stockpile.

The partnership between SE Ignalina and Newcleo is part of a global trend of research and development in next-generation nuclear reactors, aiming to meet the growing demand for low-carbon energy.

The Malaysian government initiates a national assessment on nuclear energy feasibility, targeting regions facing energy supply constraints and integrating international regulatory requirements.
The merger between Premier American Uranium and Nuclear Fuels reaches a key milestone following final approval of the arrangement plan by the Supreme Court of British Columbia.
TVA, Google, and Kairos Power formalize an agreement to connect an advanced reactor to the grid, supporting data center energy growth and reinforcing the U.S. nuclear industry.
The U.S. Department of Defense has signed an agreement with X-energy to develop a commercial nuclear microreactor intended to power sensitive military infrastructure.
With cash reserves multiplied sevenfold in nine months, NANO Nuclear intensifies development of its KRONOS MMR and positions itself in the Canadian and U.S. modular nuclear markets.
Equinix signed a preorder for 20 Kaleidos nuclear microreactors and a letter of intent for a power purchase agreement with ULC-Energy, reinforcing its energy supply strategy for its data centers.
The U.S. Department of Energy selects Oklo and its subsidiary Atomic Alchemy for three pilot reactor projects aiming for criticality before July 2026.
The United States Department of Energy has selected eleven companies to build experimental nuclear reactors by July 2026, under a programme aimed at meeting rising electricity demand.
The South African Minister of the Environment has approved Eskom’s authorisation to build a nuclear power plant in Duynefontein, ending appeals lodged by several environmental organisations.
An independent group calls for deep changes to speed up the approval of UK nuclear projects and cut costs linked to a system seen as too slow and complex.
Radiant has signed an agreement with the Department of the Air Force and the Defense Innovation Unit to supply a portable nuclear microreactor, marking a first in mass production for military use.
The Gravelines nuclear power plant, the largest in Western Europe, halted all production after its cooling systems were obstructed by an unexpected influx of jellyfish. EDF plans a gradual restart in the coming days.
The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that the tritium concentration in the 14th batch of ALPS-treated water discharged by TEPCO remains well below Japan’s operational limit.
Field studies to determine the location of Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant have begun near the village of Ulken, marking a key stage in a project led by Rosatom.
China’s nuclear safety authority has approved the construction of units 1 and 2 at the Jinqimen plant, authorising the start of foundation work for the first reactor.
India unveils a national plan to boost nuclear capacity to 100 GW by 2047, combining large reactors and small modules, with a strengthened regulatory framework and new public-private partnerships.
Belarus offers its expertise to support the construction of Uzbekistan’s first nuclear power plant, as Tashkent accelerates its civil energy projects with new international partnerships.
Start-up HYLENR finalises a strategic $3 mn fundraising to move from pilot phase to industrialisation of its low-energy nuclear reaction systems for industrial heat production.
The regulatory approval granted to PT Thorcon Power Indonesia for its site study on Kelasa Island marks a decisive step toward the development of the country’s first private nuclear project.
Uranium output from American mines surged more than thirteen-fold in 2024, driven by increased investment, exploration drilling and a partial restart of industrial capacity across several key states.
Consent Preferences