Lithuania shuts Soviet-era nuclear plant

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Lithuania shut down its nuclear power plant in Ignalina last week, raising fears of increased energy dependency on Russia and of a further blow to an already recession-hit economy. The Baltic state shut down the last reactor at the Ignalina plantexternal on Thursday (31 December). It agreed to shut the plant, which has the same kind of reactors as at Chernobyl, the site of the worst nuclear accident in 1986, under its agreement to enter the European Union. Some analysts have forecast rising power prices, dealing a further blow to the economy, and more dependence on power supplies from Russia.

Lithuania shut down its nuclear power plant in Ignalina last week, raising fears of increased energy dependency on Russia and of a further blow to an already recession-hit economy.

The Baltic state shut down the last reactor at the Ignalina plantexternal on Thursday (31 December).

It agreed to shut the plant, which has the same kind of reactors as at Chernobyl, the site of the worst nuclear accident in 1986, under its agreement to enter the European Union.

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Some analysts have forecast rising power prices, dealing a further blow to the economy, and more dependence on power supplies from Russia.

But Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius was calm.

"There will be no catastrophe after the closure. We are ready to supply as much electricity as needed," he told Reuters.

"As decent Europeans, we are ready to meet our obligations to close the Ignalina power plant on time, which is by the end of this day," he added.

Graphic shows condition at the plant this morning (no power being generated).

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