Lithuania plans new nuclear power plant for 2020
Fukushima – a term that immediately brings to mind the terrible nuclear disaster that occurred in Japan not long ago. The consequences of the reactor accident in the „Land of the Rising Sun“ have reignited the debate around the world about the risks and benefits of nuclear energy. Opinions differ widely: while politicians and the public in some countries argue vehemently against the use of nuclear power, other countries have plans to build new nuclear power plants (NPPs) – Lithuania, for example.
Lithuania plans new nuclear power plant for 2020
Date: 30/09/2026
Lithuania: New NPP to enter service near Visaginas in 2020
Together with its neighboring countries Estonia and Latvia, Lithuania plans to bring a nuclear power plant near the Lithuanian city of Visaginas into operation. The new NPP is intended to replace the decommissioned nuclear power plant located not far from Ignalina in Lithuania. According to the Lithuanian government’s plan, electricity is to be generated at the NPP near Visaginas starting in 2020, in Vilnius. Lithuanian Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius publicly reaffirmed the plan during a visit to the site in Visaginas.
The first steps toward establishing the new NPP in Lithuania have already been taken. For example, an environmental impact assessment has been carried out, and a careful site evaluation is underway. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania plan to begin construction of the new NPP in Lithuania in 2014, so that it can generate electricity from 2020. The relevant agreements with strategic investors are to be finalized within the next two years. The identities of potential sponsors have not yet been disclosed publicly. In December of the previous year, the Lithuanian government suffered a serious setback when the potential investor, Korea Electric Power Corporation (Kepco), withdrew its bid.
Christian Bathen
