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At the end of October, the Lithuanian operator of the electricity transmission system Litgrid received a letter from the Belarusian operator of the Belenergo electricity transmission system, stating that the start of electricity generation at the Astrava nuclear power plant is expected from November 1 to 10.
From the start of electricity generation at the Astrava nuclear power plant, Litgrid will establish zero capacity for electricity imports from Belarus.
On Tuesday, the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) sent a protest note to the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs over the hasty commissioning of the Astrava nuclear power plant, which poses a threat to the safety of Lithuanian citizens, Belarusians and the European Union.
Meanwhile, Russia responded to Lithuania on Wednesday. She said she was not happy with the recently developed methodology for electricity trading with Russia, which would mean a reduction in trade by about a third.
Energy Minister Žygimantas Vaičiūnas declared that Russia could only take legal action and that the Baltic countries do not plan any changes.
“The Baltic countries do not plan any changes, but Russia also indicates the position that this methodology does not suit it. The note confirms the correctness of our steps and choices. Russia can take legal measures, but I do not think it will take unplanned steps. towards the Baltic countries ”, Ž. Vaičiūnas.
He also told Knowledge Radio that Lithuania’s attempts to stop construction of the Astrava nuclear power plant had failed due to too naive an approach and too little attention paid to the object at the beginning of its construction, and to avoid the plant project. Astrava nuclear power plant. address this problem.
Chancellor Linas Linkevičius hinted that due to political turmoil in Belarus, it is becoming increasingly difficult to hold a dialogue on the commissioning of the Astrava nuclear power plant; it is no longer clear with whom to discuss this issue.
The Astravo nuclear power plant is currently in the testing phase and commercial production of the first unit is scheduled for 2021. Belarus announced the permission to generate electricity during testing last week.
According to the Law on Emergency Measures, Lithuania will also not provide electricity reserves to Belarus from the start of the Astrava nuclear power plant.
Lithuania itself supplies reserves through connections with Poland and Sweden and on the Baltic market. This summer, Litgrid successfully tested the isolated operation of part of the electrical system, during which the main Lithuanian power plants operated separately from the BRELL ring.
Belarus is building a 2,400 MW nuclear power plant near the city of Astrava, which is 50 kilometers from Vilnius. The plant will be made up of two 1,200 MW power units.
Lithuania criticizes the project which, in the opinion of the country’s representatives, is being implemented in violation of nuclear safety requirements.
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