Latvia Initiates Comprehensive Study on Nuclear Energy Development

The Latvian Ministry of Climate and Energy (KEM) has announced plans to commission a comprehensive assessment of nuclear energy development opportunities in Latvia, with a budget of €1.425 million. The study aims to provide a data-driven analysis to inform policy decisions regarding the potential implementation of small modular reactor (SMR) technology in the country.

The selected contractor will evaluate the feasibility of introducing SMR nuclear energy, considering technical, legal, environmental, societal, financial, and economic factors. Additionally, the study will review the existing regulatory framework and propose necessary amendments to align with international nuclear energy standards.

Key areas of focus include radiation protection, nuclear facility safety, emergency preparedness, nuclear fuel transport, spent fuel management, decommissioning, nuclear liability, and environmental protection. The study will also assess potential sites for a nuclear power plant, electricity grid development, human resource availability, and radioactive waste management.

The contract is set for a one-year duration, with deliverables scheduled at various intervals. Within one month of signing, a detailed work plan is expected; within three months, an assessment of the current situation and regulatory framework; within eight months, a technical evaluation of SMR technology; within ten months, an economic assessment including a cost-benefit analysis; and by the end of the contract, a final comprehensive report consolidating all findings and proposals.

This initiative follows the government's directive in May 2025 for KEM to begin preparations for a nuclear energy program and to explore cooperation with Estonia on constructing and operating a nuclear power plant. In November 2025, KEM engaged with Estonia's Ministry of Climate to discuss Estonia's planned nuclear energy activities, including regulatory preparations.

Estonia has initiated studies to assess nuclear energy implementation aspects outlined in the International Atomic Energy Agency's guidelines, covering radiation safety, nuclear safety, emergency preparedness, and legal frameworks. In July 2025, Estonia informed Latvia of its development of a national special spatial plan and strategic environmental impact assessment for selecting a site for a 600-megawatt nuclear power plant, with site selection and preliminary environmental studies planned for 2026 and detailed assessments by 2029.

Latvia plans to participate in cross-border consultations on Estonia's plan and has launched its own research to assess the legal, technical, and economic aspects of suitable SMR technologies, including necessary legislative amendments, appropriate locations, and cost-benefit analyses.

Preliminary calculations indicate that an SMR-based nuclear power plant could be competitive in electricity pricing compared to other technologies. However, factors such as production diversification, technology maturity, resource availability, and generating capacity development present varying strengths and weaknesses for each technology. A significant consideration for Latvia is the management of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel, as studies on establishing a geological repository have not yet been conducted. If a nuclear power plant is built, facilities for storing low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste would also need to be assessed and potentially established.