On March 19, the largest and most significant economic forum in the country, "Lithuanian Davos 2025," took place, traditionally gathering leaders from business, politics, and society. During the forum, there were not only standard sessions focusing on economic development, investment potential, accessibility of financing, and real estate market development, but also special sessions dedicated to the development of Lithuania's energy sector, defense industry, the economic potential of artificial intelligence, and the debureaucratization of the Lithuanian economy. According to the forum organizers, the primary mission of the event is to unite the elite of Lithuania's business, political, and societal sectors to pursue progress and agree on policies that can help harness the global potential lying within Lithuania and its people. This 18th event featured a presentation by Dr. Tadas Kaliatka, the chief research associate at the Nuclear Equipment Safety Laboratory of the Lithuanian Energy Institute (LEI).

Dr. T. Kaliatka participated in a panel discussion titled "Which energy projects can increase local electricity production to positively affect market prices and enhance industrial competitiveness and welfare of Lithuanian citizens?". During the discussion, LEI scientist gave presentation "The Benefits of Small Nuclear Reactors: Where is the Value for the State?". During the presentation, Dr. T. Kaliatka discussed the nuclear energy sector globally and in Lithuania, introduced small modular reactors (SMRs), and compared them to other energy-generating technologies, proposing the potential value of SMRs for Lithuania.

According to the LEI scientist, Lithuania is not a newcomer to nuclear energy, as the State Nuclear Power Safety Inspectorate has been established, along with a legislative and legal framework. Competence of technical support organizations which was gained during the projects at Ignalina and planned Visaginas nuclear power plants and during international projects were mentioned as well. These gives Lithuania an advantage over neighboring countries who are planning to implement nuclear technologies. Dr. T. Kaliatka emphasized that SMRs are advanced and safe reactors that ensure a stable energy supply and provide the opportunity to meet the flexible energy generation needs of a wide range of consumers. He stated that these reactors could ensure the supply of essential baseload electricity without emitting carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and would integrate well with renewable electricity (and heat) sources. From an economic standpoint, SMRs can compete with energy generation from renewable sources. SMR represent a viable technology for Lithuania, both at the national level and in terms of private enterprise.

The discussion also featured participation from Airidas Daukšas, Deputy Minister of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania; Mantas Mikalajūnas, a board member of AB "Ignitis Group"; Tadas Kubilius, head of public institution "Smart Energy"; Virginijus Radziukynas, Vice President of the Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists; and Valdemar Fiodorovič, General Director of UAB "Enefit".

Dr. Kaliatka gives presentation "The Benefits of Small Nuclear Reactors: Where is the Value for the State?" (© LEI & Lietuvos Davosas 2025)

Dr. Kaliatka during Energy panel discussion at “Lietuvos Davosas 2025” economic forum (© LEI & Lietuvos Davosas 2025)