Nuclear energy in Lithuania. Present status and hopes for the future

In 1993 the Ignalina nuclear power plant produced 12.26 billion kilowatt hours of electricity, equivalent to 87.1% of Lithuania's total electricity production. This is the highest annual nuclear share ever reached by any country. Economic conditions and the lack of viable alternatives demand Ignalina's continued operation. It is therefore vitally important to develop safety enhancements reducing the associated risk. Lithuania has made good progress in generating a new nuclear industry infrastructure, but further strengthening is essential. An in-depth safety analysis of the Ignalina plant must be performed by the end of 1995, and a new licence will have to be granted by the Lithuanian Nuclear Power Safety Inspectorate (VATESI). (author)