Savickas in Paris: Lithuania is exploring the development of next-generation nuclear technologies
Group photo of ministers and government representatives at the “Roadmaps to New Nuclear Conference 2026”
As electricity demand grows worldwide, Lithuania is already assessing the potential of next-generation nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors (SMRs). Minister of Energy Lukas Savickas spoke about this at Roadmaps to New Nuclear 2026, an international conference held in Paris on 17–18 September.
Already in its fourth year, this high-level nuclear energy event brings together decision-makers from both governments and the private sector for open discussions on the challenges facing the sector, technological development and future opportunities.
‘With the growing demand for electricity and the rapid expansion of renewable energy generation, we need to assess all technologies that could contribute to a reliable, flexible and competitive Lithuanian energy system in the future,’ says Minister Savickas.
During the conference, the minister took part in ‘SMRs and Recycling’, a high-level round-table discussion on small modular reactors and nuclear fuel recycling. The discussion covered advances in reactor technologies, the conditions needed to attract investment, and opportunities to make more efficient use of nuclear fuel.
‘Lithuania is no stranger to nuclear energy, but today we are looking at it from a new perspective. With the rapid growth of electricity generation from renewable energy sources and the simultaneous increase in electricity demand, we need to look into what role next-generation nuclear technologies could play in the energy system of the future,’ says the minister.
During the meeting of the G7+ Ukraine Energy Coordination Group held in Paris alongside the conference, Minister Savickas called on countries to tighten sanctions against russia, i.e. to completely phase out russian oil, gas and nuclear fuel, and to address the threats posed by russia’s ‘shadow fleet’. He also stressed the importance of urgent assistance as Ukraine approaches a decisive winter and emphasised that Lithuania, which has so far provided energy equipment worth more than EUR 13 million, will be dispatching another shipment of vital equipment in the near future.
During the visit, the minister also took part in bilateral meetings with representatives of the nuclear energy sector and technology developers, including Nuclear Energy Agency Director-General William D. Magwood, IV and his deputy, Nobuhiro Muroya; newcleo CEO Stefano Buono; head of Hitachi, Ltd.’s Nuclear Energy Business Unit Yasunori Inada; and SGE S.A. representative Robert Rudich.
The meetings focused primarily on the prospects for Lithuania’s future energy system and potential partnerships. The potential for using small modular reactors is currently being evaluated. By 2028, an assessment of small modular reactor technology will be carried out to determine whether it would be necessary, safe and economically viable for Lithuania.
Last updated: 21-09-2026
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