Baltic States – CIS, Energy, Estonia, EU – Baltic States, Forum, Lithuania

At the discussion "Power Plays: Prospects for European Energy Security" the PM presented the objectives of Lithuania's energy security. "We are seeking to end the dependence on the monopolised suppliers and to open the market, as this would translate into the optimal price for Lithuanian consumers", Kubilius said.

Speaking about changes in the Lithuanian electricity sector, Head of the Government noted that our state is continuously seeking to synchronise its power grid with the continental European network. "To this end the country is implementing the projects of building power bridge with Sweden and Poland and is preparing for the construction of the Visaginas Nuclear Power Plant (NPP)," Kubilius said.

The prime minister pointed out to the participants of the conference that the construction of the NPP reflects regional trends as nuclear energy is increasingly developing in the Baltic Sea Region. He referred to Finland as an example of a country, where 2 nuclear power plants (4 units) are operating, and by 2014 another unit will start its operation. The Government of Finland has given the green light for the construction of two new nuclear power plants, which are currently being designed. It is forecast that in 2020, 60% of all energy will be produced by nuclear energy in Finland, writes LETA/ELTA.

According to head of the Government, Sweden is continuously following a strategy of maintaining a stable level of nuclear energy in the country. Each decommissioned nuclear power plant is replaced by a new one. Currently, there are 10 nuclear power plant units generating approximately 40% of the total electricity in the country.

Kubilius said that the neighbouring Poland is planning to build three new nuclear power plants by 2030. The first nuclear power plant unit is going to be launched in 2020, while the second one – in 2022-2023. Recently a Polish group Enea has announced plans to build the third nuclear power plant in Poland.

After the discussion at the Lennart Meri conference, Head of the Government Andrius Kubilius will take part in a joint working lunch of the Baltic Prime Ministers and Vice President of the European Commission Olli Rehn.

In the evening the Prime Minister and his delegation will end their visit to Estonia and return to Vilnius.