On October 3rd, 2024 Lithuanian Nuclear Energy Association organized the conference "New nuclear energy projects in different European countries", which was held at the Conference center of Santaka Valley, at Kaunas University of Technology. The main aim of the event was to discuss the outgoing and planned projects that will shape the nuclear energy sector in Europe. Experts and speakers from France, Finland, Czechia, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, Romania, Ukraine, Italy and Estonia shared the latest news.
The conference participants were greeted by Stefano Monti, President of European Nuclear Society, who reviewed the current situation in the European nuclear energy sector and highlighted its perspectives for development. According to Mr.S.Monti many European countries intensify their efforts in the sector, and it is reflected in different decisions and initiatives at the European institution level. EU Taxonomy, the Net-Zero Industry Act, the nuclear energy alliance of more than 12 countries initiated by France, the industrial alliance on SMR development, and other initiatives are important steps towards further decarbonization and sustainable energy.
It is planned that by 2050 new 150 GW of capacity will be installed in nuclear energy which will take 25% of the overall electricity generation. Ambitious plans are announced by the UK, France and Sweden. 40% of this increase will be covered by SMRs.
Nicolas Devictor from France presented an extensive program for France to pursue new nuclear energy projects as the target of country's decarbonization goals. France plans to build 6 new reactors by 2035 and later add 8 new reactors. Many operating NPP will be modernized, and their life span will be extended.
Poland considers nuclear energy a crucial step towards the country's energy independence. Pawel Gajda presented the current situation with the first power plant of 3750 MW to be completed in 2033–2036. The first stage foresees the commissioning of 6 new reactors by 2050. Country has ambitious plans for SMR fleet development, Orlean Synthos Green Energy is going to build 24 SMRs in the nearest future and are in the middle of the process of getting the necessary permissions.
Speakers from Czechia and Finland also presented their countries clear commitment towards nuclear energy. There is a new SMR of 50 MW being developed in Finland, especially for the heat and hot water supply for smaller cities. The first such reactor is planned to be operational by 2030, and the cost of heat will be 40 EUR/MWh. Czechia has plans to build 4 new reactors and develop a fleet of SMRs.
Osvaldas Ciuksys, the president of the Association, admits that the plans of European countries are good examples for Lithuania, where we see a lack of political leadership in taking the decisions about the nuclear energy development. In the new energy independence strategy, it is stated that the country has to decide by 2028 whether it should develop nuclear energy. These plans of the neighboring countries should be assessed on time and decisions about which technologies have to be deployed should be taken earlier. Only renewable energy can't guarantee balanced and sustainable generation.
This opinion is supported by scientists from KTU who say that nuclear energy supports wind and solar energy, and ensures stable generation.
Prof. Dr. Saulius Gudzius, director of the Lithuanian Energy Institute, says that the aim of Lithuania to be self-sufficient in generation by 20230 only using renewables could bring costs very high, thus, it is very important to develop new generation SMRs and ensure stable and balanced electricity and heat supply.
Prof. Dr. Jonas Vanagas from Faculty of Electricity and Electronics Engineering of KTU admits that we can't imagine an energy sector without green hydrogen, solar and wind power, SMR and AMR technologies. The new technologies are being developed, and various presentations at the conference should serve as good examples for Lithuania. The country needs decisions, especially in the deployment of SMRs. Diversification in the energy sector could create an opportunity for Lithuania to become an exporter of energy in the future.
Lithuanian Nuclear Energy Association organizes the conference “New nuclear projects in different European countries”. The event will be held on 3rd of October, 2024 at Kaunas Technological University, Conference Center of Santakos valley.
Speakers from leading countries of the nuclear industry like France, UK, Czech Republic and Finland will present their national nuclear energy programs and provide more details about ongoing and planned projects. Representatives from Poland, Estonia and Italy will speak about the planned projects and their implementation.
Participation is free of charge. Please register by e-mail lbea@lbea.lt. The final program of the conference is available here
We will be glad to welcome you at our event!
On April 2nd 2024 the president of the Association Osvaldas Čiukšys, and member of the board of the Association and director of the Lithuanian Institute of Energy Sigitas Rimkevičius participated in the Lithuanian Radio broadcast regarding the future of nuclear energy in Lithuania. The broadcast was arranged right after the presentation of the new Lithuanian energy independence strategy where it's foreseen that nuclear energy can take 20-30 per cent of the domestic energy generation. There were many arguments presented against and in favour of the sector development. It is important to admit that 52 per cent of the listeners are voting in favour of new electricity generation technologies development in Lithuania, including nuclear energy.
On October 27th, 2023, the president of the Association Osvaldas Čiukšys and the member of the Board and director of the Lithuanian Energy Institute Sigitas Rimkevičius participated in the discussion "Nuclear - is it back on the policymakers' agenda?" during the Baltic Energy Forum organized by main business daily "Verslo žinios". Participants of the discussion gave actual examples of the decisions taken by governments of various countries, new projects and trends in the sector. These arguments show special attention to nuclear energy, which is obvious in the energy policy of different leading countries. Participants of the discussion answered numerous questions from the auditorium. It was a nice opportunity to present the latest news about the sector to Lithuanian energy professionals.
The Lithuanian Nuclear Energy Association organized an international conference, "New trends in nuclear reactors: small modular reactors. Experience of leading countries and developers". The event was held on June 15, 2023, at the premises of the Lithuanian Academy of Science and was attended by more than 100 participants from different countries. Guests and speakers were welcomed by the President of the Academy of Science, Prof. Jūras Banys. The conference had many distinguished speakers, including the President of the European Nuclear Society (ENS), Prof. . Leon Cizelj. Many topics were presented and discussed during the conference: the national nuclear programs of different neighboring countries, the newest developments in small modular reactor (SMR) technologies and their ability to ensure stable and green energy generation, as well as SMRs wide application in different sectors of the economy. A lot of interest was generated by the presentations on the outgoing EU projects in this field.
The Lithuanian Nuclear Energy Association is thankful to Orlean Synthos Green Energy, UAB Toromega, UAB Tecos, and the Lithuanian Energy Institute for their valuable support in organizing this important conference.
On April 4 2023 the president of the Association Osvaldas Čiukšys had a lecture about the small modular reactors at the faculty of Electricity and Electronics of Kaunas University of Technology. The participants of the event exchanged their views and insights on the development of SMR technology.