Lithuanian experts to share N-plant decommissioning experience with Ukraine

Cooperation in carrying out nuclear power plant decommissioning and dismantling work is envisaged in a bilateral memorandum that is planned to be signed during Ukrainian President President Petro Poroshenko's visit to Vilnius on Friday.

"We have gained unique European experience in shutting down the nuclear power plant. We want to offer our competences and experience in planning and doing the work to the Ukrainian side," Deputy Energy Minister Simonas Šatūnas told BNS on Thursday.

The official said that he had discussed potential cooperation with officials from Ukraine's nuclear power plant operator Energoatom and the country's Energy Ministry during his recent visit to Kiev.

"We want our people to visit nuclear power plants in Ukraine. Such visits are scheduled next year and the Ukrainian side is waiting for us. Then it will become clear what areas of experience Ukraine is the most interested in," he said.

Lithuania shut down the first unit of the Soviet-era Ignalina facility in 2004 and closed its second unit in 2009. The EU-funded decommissioning work will continue for several more decades.

According to the vice-minister, the memorandum on strategic cooperation in energy also provides for exchanging information on gas and electricity markets and energy security projects.

The Lithuanian and Ukrainian energy ministers plan to sign the memorandum in Vilnius on Friday. The presidents of the two countries are expected to be present at the signing ceremony.