U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm and Minister of Energy Dainius Kreivys today signed an Intergovernmental Agreement to cooperate on the development of Lithuania’s civil nuclear power program.
November 26, 2024
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm and Minister of Energy Dainius Kreivys today signed an Intergovernmental Agreement to cooperate on the development of Lithuania’s civil nuclear power program. This agreement marks the first such intergovernmental framework led by the Department of Energy with a specific focus on the deployment of fourth generation small modular reactors (SMRs) and represents a significant element of the United States’ advancement of the development of clean, safe, and reliable nuclear power for partners and allies.
The Agreement will establish a strategic partnership between the United States and Lithuania in the commercial civil nuclear sector, support Lithuania’s ambitious objective to reach a net zero energy system by 2050, and reinforce Lithuania’s capacity to serve as a regional energy exporter, particularly as all the Baltic states desynchronize from the Russian electricity grid and connects to Europe’s continental grid network.
The Agreement will also serve to bolster the U.S. civil nuclear industry, U.S. technological leadership and U.S. competitiveness while advancing the highest standards of safety and security. In addition to collaboration in the deployment of SMRs, the Agreement envisions the exchange of experts to ensure the promotion of the highest standards of safety and security, the enhancement of physical and security for all civil nuclear facilities in Lithuania, and consultation regarding best practices related to decommissioning and fuel management and workforce development.
In their bilateral meeting, Secretary Granholm highlighted the U.S. nuclear industry’s continued interest in providing clean, reliable, and resilient nuclear energy for Lithuania as one key component in strengthening energy security in the region. Minister Kreivys recognized that for Lithuania, this agreement is as much about clean energy and its energy security as it is about wider geopolitical security, long-term economic growth, and technological advancement in Lithuania.
The U.S. Secretary of Energy, Jennifer M. Granholm said, “Safe, clean and reliable civil nuclear energy will be a critical component of Lithuania’s energy pathway. The U.S. remains committed to working with Lithuania to advance its national security, regional security, and democratic sovereignty.”
Minister of Energy Kreivys noted as well “Lithuania is particularly interested in the U.S experience in developing next-generation nuclear power technologies which could provide secure, safe and reliable supply of energy to meet the country's growing energy needs and achieve climate-neutrality goals. This agreement between the U.S. and Lithuania will help to make an informed decision on the development of next generation nuclear power in Lithuania.”