We need to start 'well-informed' discussion on small nuclear reactors - Nauseda

VILNIUS - Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda on Thursday called for a "well-informed" discussion on the need for small nuclear reactors in Lithuania.

"Looking further ahead, we must begin a well-informed discussion about small nuclear reactors, which could help ensure greater stability in electricity generation," the president told lawmakers as he delivered his State of the Nation Address on Thursday.

The updated National Energy Independence Strategy 2050, approved by the Seimas last year, foresees the possibility to develop low-power nuclear reactors in Lithuania beyond 2030.

Energy Minister Zygimantas Vaiciunas, however, is still cautious about the technology and doubts whether Lithuania should be among the first countries to adopt it.

Nauseda says that energy is the area where Lithuania has achieved the most over the past decade.

"I am pleased to note that we have truly achieved a great deal in making Lithuania’s energy system resilient. In this field, we serve as an example for all of Europe, which is gradually breaking free from Russian blackmail," the Lithuanian leader said.

Last year, Lithuania bought out its LNG terminal, and this year, together with the other Baltic countries, it completed the synchronization of their electricity grids with Western Europe.

"Today, having severed the last energy ties with Russia, we are free to further strengthen our energy sector. We must rapidly develop renewable energy sources, ensure full domestic electricity production by 2028, and move forward with the Harmony Link project together with Poland," Nauseda said.