Energo: Russian Rosatom-linked firms seek ways to take part in Lithuanian N-plant projects

Rosatom and companies linked to the Russia state nuclear energy corporation are seeking involvement in the decommissioning processes of Lithuania's Ignalina nuclear power plant (NPP) and are looking for ways to participate in its projects for dismantling the first and second reactors and other systems, according to Lithuanian intelligence agencies, BNS, a Lithuanian newswire, reported on March 7.

Rosatom's companies understand that they will not be allowed to participate directly in the projects due to national security concerns, and are therefore seeking to get involved through contacts with Lithuanian companies that have in the past cooperated with the Russian nuclear giant, the State Security Department and the Second Investigation Department under the Defence Ministry said in their annual national security threat assessment report published on March 7.

According to the report, Rosatom is engaged in the dissemination of Russian nuclear technology and technological influence in foreign markets and derives most of its revenues from this activity. While civil nuclear energy is the main area of Rosatom's activities, the corporation also directly contributes to strengthening Russia's military power and political influence.