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Seimas created the regulatory framework for the protection of the Lithuanian electricity market against electricity generated by unsafe nuclear power plants

Press release, 20 April 2017

 

The Seimas adopted the Law on Necessary Measures against the Threats Posed by Unsafe Nuclear Power Plants in Third Countries.

“At the beginning of this year, Lithuania’s parliamentary political parties signed the Accord on Joint Actions against the Unsafe Nuclear Power Plant in Astravyets. The Accord states that the construction of the unsafe NPP in Astravyets, which is 40 km away from Vilnius, poses a threat to Lithuania and that all necessary steps should be taken to reduce the threat. The parties to the Accord unanimously support this Law. We will continue raising the issues of nuclear safety in the EU and international institutions,” says Viktoras Pranckietis, Speaker of the Seimas.

The Law lays down general principles, conditions and stages of protection of the Lithuanian electricity system and electricity market against electricity from third countries that have unsafe nuclear power plants. The Law also sets forth the procedure for determining the status of such power plants and assessing threats they pose to Lithuania’s national security, environment and public health.

An unsafe nuclear power plant will mean any nuclear power plant under construction or operation in a neighbouring third country that is designed, installed or operated in violation of environmental, nuclear safety and radiation protection standards, international agreements, and international conventions and poses, due to its geographical location or technological characteristics, a threat to Lithuania’s national security, environment and public health.

The Law stipulates that the Lithuanian electricity market should be closed for electricity from third countries that have unsafe nuclear power plants. An exception is made for electricity that is necessary for ensuring the reliability of the Lithuanian electricity system. The electricity storage facilities (Kruonis Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Plant) within the Lithuanian energy system cannot be used for storing electricity generated by unsafe nuclear power plants in third countries.

In 2020, the Lithuanian electricity system will start operation in synchronous mode with the continental European networks. The Law establishes that before this date all technical instruments applied facilitate the reliable functioning of the Lithuanian electricity system and allow Lithuania to reduce the volume of electricity entering from third countries that have unsafe nuclear power plants. After the synchronisation of the Lithuanian electricity system with the continental European networks, any direct access for electricity from third countries to the Lithuanian power system should be prevented altogether or limited to the extent that is necessary for technical reasons following the desynchronisation from the IPS/UPS of the Commonwealth of Independent States, including the Kaliningrad Region.

The Law was adopted by 87 votes in favour to none against and one abstention.

 

Saulė Eglė Trembo, Chief Specialist, Press Office, Information and Communication Department, tel. +370 5 239 6203, e-mail: [email protected]