"Personally, I believe that Lithuania needs a nuclear reactor but we won't be able to implement this project on our own. For example, 50 percent of all power in Sweden is produced by nuclear power plants. The Swedes don't talk about the need to close reactors even though they have 12 of those," Gedvilas said in an interview to news website kaunodiena.lt.
In his words, the final decision on the construction of Visaginas nuclear power plant will be made by the Seimas based on experts' conclusions.
A majority of Lithuanian voters did not back the project in a non-binding referendum that was held alongside general elections on October 14. Some 34.09 percent of those who cast ballots said "yes" to building a nuclear power plant and 62.68 percent said "no". The turnout was 52.58 percent.
Following the referendum, the Seimas obliged the government to submit "an economically optimal and consumer-friendly strategy of power provision." A Seimas resolution states that bills have to be put before parliament by May 15.
"The referendum on the construction of the nuclear power plant has already taken place but it was advisory. The government can take into account the nation's opinion, but if it has new information, it may make another decision," Gedvilas said.
Under existing plans, Lithuania should build a new nuclear power plant in cooperation with Latvian and Estonian energy companies and Japan's Hitachi.
