Lithuania's RBMK

The political changes which have occurred recently in Lithuania, resulting in its present independence from the Soviet Union, have had drastic economic and trade implications for the country. The Lithuanian energy industry's capacity now far exceeds the country's current energy demand. This is chiefly due to the production capacity of one very large nuclear reactor at the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant, although there are also some combined heat and power plants, a thermal power plant and a hydroelectric plant. This article examines the idea that the potential excess generation of electricity could be used to generate vital income, urgently needed to restructure the economy, by selling electricity to other Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, once fuel prices have stabilised internationally. The need for safe management and appropriate inspection regulations for the huge RBMK-1500 reactors at Ignalina is stressed. (UK)