Lithuania shows interest in S. Korea's nuclear reactors

SEOUL, Feb. 18 (Yonhap) -- Lithuania has shown interest in South Korea's nuclear
reactors as it considers building new units to replace those closed in the past
few years, a government official said Thursday.
The Ministry of Knowledge Economy said the Eastern European country's defense
minister, Rasa Jukneviciene, visited the Gori nuclear plant in northern Busan,
450 kilometers southeast of Seoul. The plant has four operational reactors at
present with four more units being constructed including two of the advanced
APR-1400 units.
"Lithuania is contemplating a move to build new reactors and asked if South Korea
may be interested in making investments in this field," the official said on
condition of anonymity.
He said no detailed talks have taken place between the two sides so far.
The country had two nuclear reactors built by Russia that were similar to those
used at Chernobyl in the Ukraine. The last reactor was closed in late 2009
because of safety concerns with the help of the European Union.
The Chernobyl reactor meltdown that occurred in 1986 is the worst nuclear power
plant disaster in history.
"Because Vilnius does not have adequate funds it may pursue a so-called
Independent Power Producer arrangement that calls on the builder to foot the bill
for construction," the official said. He said investors could recoup the money
spent by selling electricity once the reactors go on-line.
The interest shown by Lithuania comes after South Korea signed a deal late last
year to sell four APR-1400 commercial nuclear power plants to the United Arab
Emirates for $20 billion.
In addition to Lithuania, Turkey, India and Jordan have asked Seoul to consider
taking part in their respective nuclear reactor construction efforts in the
coming years.
Finland and Morocco may also be looking to purchase South Korean reactors in the
long run.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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