Minister of Energy: We have to ensure that electricity generated in unsafe nuclear power plants in third countries does not appear in the Lithuanian market

2017 01 26

Today, the Government approved a report drawn up by the Ministry of Energy regarding a draft law on protection of the electricity market and the power system of the Republic of Lithuania. This draft law, which was submitted to the Seimas by a citizen initiative group, seeks to establish the general principles, conditions and stages of preventing electricity produced at nuclear power plants that are built near Lithuanian borders from entering the Lithuanian power system as well as the electricity market.

Taking into account the nuclear power plant being built in Ostrovets (Belarus) as well as the construction of a nuclear power plant that has begun in Kaliningrad Oblast, it has been proposed in the Government report to accept the draft law submitted; proposals for its improvement have also been presented.

'This draft law is our society's expression of existential concern about the ominous construction of nuclear power plants in the neighbourhood of Lithuania and the European Union which is being implemented in violation of key international nuclear and environmental safety requirements. In response to the heightened anxiety of our citizens and in fulfilling the Government programme, we are in favour of banning the sale of electricity from third countries, where unsafe nuclear power plants are being operated. Furthermore, we are in favour of completely restricting such electricity from entering the Lithuanian market, provided that this does not have any fundamental negative impact on our power system,' says Minister of Energy Žygimantas Vaičiūnas.

The Government agrees with a ban on trade in the Lithuanian energy market of electricity produced in third countries, where power plants are being operated, which cause a threat to national security, the environment and public health. In the Government report, it is also proposed, that if it is determined, that there are power plants being operated in third countries, which cause a threat to national security, the environment and public health, then electricity from these countries should be completely restricted from entering the Lithuanian market, with the exception of energy that is needed to ensure system reliability. It is proposed, that prior to the Baltic States becoming part of the synchronous grid of Continental Europe, all possible technical means to reduce the scope of electricity capacity with third countries be applied (for example, dismantling power lines, improving the internal network), with the exception of those, which would have a significantly negative impact on reliable operation of the power system.

The Government report proposes to define, that nuclear power plants, that are being operated or constructed in third countries in locations which are within 100 kilometres of the Lithuanian border be treated as a threat to national security, the environment and public health. It is also proposed, that clear criteria be established, which would allow the threats posed by such nuclear power plants to Lithuania's national security, the environment and public health to be assessed objectively (for example, the size of the population in areas, that might be impacted, the proximity to key state institutions, the suitability of the site, the technology selected, fulfilment of international commitments and recommendations related to nuclear and radiation safety and environmental protection, and so on).

'The long-term and optimal way to fundamentally reduce our power system's dependence on third parties is synchronisation of the Baltic power systems with the European grid. This is a long-term project, so we have to take other measures to protect our electricity market and system before synchronisation with the European network is complete,' says the Minister of Energy.

Just this month, a study began for isolated-operation testing of the power system of the Baltic States. This will make it possible to assess the technical provisions necessary for disconnection from the IPS/UPS system of Russia and Belarus. During the isolated-operation testing, the electricity system of the Baltic States would temporarily become an independent energy system. At this time, areas for improvement will be identified, which will make it possible to prepare for the upcoming desynchronisation from the IPS/UPS system and synchronisation with the European grid as effectively as possible.

Daugiau informacijos -
Aurelija Vernickaitė
Advisor to the Minister
Phone: [phone], mobile: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]