Minister Savickas Discusses Strategic Partnership with US Secretary of Energy: From Long-Term Gas Supplies to Nuclear Energy
Chris Wright and Lukas Savickas
Minister Savickas Discusses Strategic Partnership with US Secretary of Energy: From Long-Term Gas Supplies to Nuclear Energy
Lithuania’s energy security, long-term supplies of American gas, and cooperation in developing next-generation nuclear energy — these were the issues discussed by Energy Minister Lukas Savickas with US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright in New York. The high-level meeting also focused heavily on the protection of critical energy infrastructure and support for Ukraine.
“The US is one of Lithuania’s most important partners in energy security. We are strengthening this partnership through concrete measures: securing a decade-long supply of American gas, exploring opportunities for cooperation in nuclear energy, and seeking to better protect critical infrastructure. Our goal is to translate our close political ties with the US into long-term investment, a reliable energy supply and greater security for Lithuania,” says Energy Minister Lukas Savickas.
The meeting took place at the Consulate General of Lithuania in New York, which had celebrated its centenary the day before. Mr Wright became the first high-ranking US official to visit the consulate. The Minister invited the US Secretary of Energy to visit Lithuania next year, and the US side responded favourably to this invitation.
One of the key highlights of the meeting was the first long-term gas supply contract with a US company, signed on September 21 in New York by Ignitis and the US firm EQT. Under the agreement, Ignitis will purchase 10 shipments of liquefied natural gas (LNG) between 2027 and 2036, delivering one shipment each year. This gas will be supplied to consumers in Lithuania.
Minister Savickas emphasised that in 2022, Lithuania became the first European Union country to completely cease imports of russian gas, oil, and electricity. Today, the US is one of Lithuania’s most important partners for LNG, with long-term agreements further strengthening this relationship and increasing the reliability of deliveries.
Nuclear Energy and Infrastructure Security
The meeting discussed opportunities to expand cooperation in the field of small modular reactors. A decision by the Seimas on the development of these reactors in Lithuania is expected in the first half of 2028.
The Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant has already signed agreements with two developers of small modular reactor (SMR) technologies from the US and Europe. Under the intergovernmental agreement between the US and Lithuania, four potential US technology suppliers have been shortlisted for further negotiations.
In light of russia’s war against Ukraine and the incidents in the Baltic Sea, the protection of critical energy infrastructure has been identified as Lithuania’s top energy security priority. The
Minister underscored the need to strengthen the resilience of these systems and discussed opportunities for closer bilateral cooperation with the US in this area.
He also welcomed the package of new sanctions against russia, adopted by the US administration and signed by President Donald Trump, which includes measures targeting russian oil and gas exports. The consistent application of these measures, according to Savickas, could reduce russia’s ability to finance the war and bring peace to Ukraine closer.
Looking ahead, Lithuania’s agenda for its upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union, due to begin on 1 January 2027, was presented to the US Secretary of Energy.
During its Presidency, Lithuania will seek agreements on the security of electricity and gas supplies, strategic oil reserves, and the EU’s energy and climate policy beyond 2030. The agenda will also address the EU budget. These priorities will be vital for strengthening Europe’s energy security while providing further opportunities for strategic dialogue with the US.