Latvia eyes electricity from Belarus nuclear plant

power lines

subscribe

RIGA -

Latvia’s electricity transmission system operator, AST, is looking at the possibility of purchasing electricity from the soon-to-be completed Belarusian nuclear power plant in Astravets, long criticised by the Lithuanian government, Belsat TV has reported.

According to the Latvian media, the Latvian government is seeking to mitigate the risk of a possible drop in electricity supplies given that energy trading between the Baltic states and third parties is currently carried out only through the Belarusian-Lithuanian border, including Latvian imports from Lithuania.

If AST starts importing electricity from the Belarusian plant to Latvia, the energy is expected to enter the Lithuanian market as well.

The Lithuanian government has repeatedly criticised the nuclear power over national security and environmental safety concerns, as well as a number of emergencies that took place during construction.

The first Astravets reactor, which is being built close to the Lithuanian border in the Hrodno region, is expected to be operational by the end of 2019.

Related News

dwight ball

N.L., Ottawa agree to shield ratepayers from Muskrat Falls cost overruns

ST JOHNS - Ottawa and Newfoundland and Labrador say they will rewrite the financial structure of the Muskrat Falls hydro project to shield ratepayers from paying for the megadam's cost overruns.

Federal Natural Resources Minister Seamus O'Regan and Premier Dwight Ball announced Monday that their two governments would scrap the financial structure agreed upon in past federal-provincial loan agreements, moving to a model that redirects benefits to ratepayers.

Both politicians called the announcement, which was light on dollar figures, a major milestone in easing residents' fears that electricity rates will spike sharply when the over-budget dam comes fully online next year.
"We…

READ MORE
florida power line crews

Crews have restored power to more than 32,000 Gulf Power customers

READ MORE

tunisia renewables

Tunisia invests in major wind farm as part of longterm renewable energy plan

READ MORE

london-gateway-unveils-world-first-all-electric-berth

London Gateway Unveils World’s First All-Electric Berth

READ MORE

centerpoint smart meter

Texas Utilities back out of deal to create smart home electricity networks

READ MORE