Westinghouse is interested in the Visaginas Nuclear Power Plant (VAE) because of plans to link Baltic, Nordic and Polish electricity grids, Anders Jackson, Westinghouse’s president for Europe, Middle East and Africa said to business daily Verslo Zinios daily. Westinghouse representative also indicated that the site chosen for the plant could accommodate a facility with the capacity of about 3,000 MW.
‘I think that this project is very interesting due to several reasons. The links with Poland, Sweden, Finland, which integrate the Baltic countries into the Nord Pool energy system, are important. In the case of Lithuania’s project political support is vital – there is a clear vision and long-term obligations to build a nuclear power plant. And it could be felt in all three Baltic countries. It is very important for us. Other criteria, including good location, no problems with transportation, contribute to the attractiveness as well. Local suppliers offering attractive prices should potentially ensure many advantages,’ Anders Jackson said to Veslo Zinios, which published the interview on 27 June.
Mr Jackson has also doubted seriousness of plans to construct the Kaliningrad and Belarusian nuclear plants.
During it visit to Vilnius on 23 June Westinghouse Electric Company representatives confirmed that it is ready to invest in the planned Visaginas NNP and suggested that it was realistic for the plant to start producing electricity by 2020.
