Trilateral memorandum signed on the assessment of small modular reactors in Lithuania
On 25 February, Minister of Energy Žygimantas Vaičiūnas was in Washington DC, where he attended the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant/Altra, Synthos Green Energy (SGE), and GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy LLC. Also in attendance were two key US Department of Energy officials: Rian Bahran, who is the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Reactors, and Elizabeth Urbanas, who is responsible for internation cooperation. The MoU provides for an assessment of the potential for deploying advanced BWRX‑300 small modular reactor (SMR) technology in Lithuania.
The document establishes a framework for a detailed assessment of the technical and economic feasibility of the potential implementation of this technology. The assessment will analyse technological solutions, safety and licencing requirements, and economic and market aspects.
“This memorandum provides an opportunity to bring together Lithuania’s nuclear energy experience, the expertise of Altra’s specialists, and the latest knowledge of US partners developing advanced small modular reactor technologies to assess the applicability of next-generation small modular reactors in Lithuania. While the prospects of these technologies are still at the analysis stage, a systematic assessment will allow us to determine how such solutions could contribute to the country’s energy security, sustainability, and climate-neutral energy and economic goals. Renewable energy is and will remain Lithuania’s clear choice; however, to achieve full climate neutrality by 2050, we must also assess the potential of these technologies in Lithuania,” said Minister Vaičiūnas.
The BWRX-300 is an advanced small modular boiling water reactor being developed as a zero-carbon electricity generation solution. The technology is based on a simplified and standardised design, which is expected to shorten construction time lines, optimise costs, and ensure high safety standards. SGE, as a co-investor together with GVH, holds the exclusive rights to deploy the technology across much of Central and Eastern Europe, and can provide access to the standard design, the Preliminary Safety Analysis Report (PSAR), and other documentation required for licencing and implementation. A reactor of this type is already under construction in Canada.
The agreement was signed in the context of challenges facing the European energy sector, including the need to strengthen energy security, ensure new generation capacity to meet growing electricity demand, and deploy zero-emission solutions that enhance the stability of national energy systems.f
The development of small modular reactors is also aligned with the objectives of the National Energy Independence Strategy – to make Lithuania fully energy-independent and climate-neutral by 2050.
According to a 2025 Eurobarometer survey, 57 per cent of Lithuania’s population view the prospects of nuclear energy over the next 20 years positively.
Last year, the Ministry of Energy established a dedicated working group. The group is analysing pathways for the application of advanced nuclear technologies, and will assess their potential role within Lithuania’s energy system.
On the last day of his visit to Washington, the minister met with representatives from the US Department of Energy and discussed opportunities for cooperation on SMRs, focusing in particular on technological development, the regulatory environment, and possible investment and research projects. Meetings were also held with experts from the US Department of Commerce on energy‑sector issues, as well as with companies working in the field of critical infrastructure protection and resilience.
Last updated: 09-03-2026
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