Riga to host international conference 'Nuclear Energy for Latvia' in May

RIGA -The fourth international conference "Nuclear Energy for Latvia" will take place on May 21, 2025 in Riga, LETA learned from the representatives of the Development and Innovation Training Center.

The conference aims to enhance public understanding of nuclear energy's vital role in helping Latvia meet its climate commitments while securing energy independence.

The conference will commence with opening remarks by Climate and Energy Minister Kaspars Melnis (Greens/Farmers) and Talis Juhna, Rector of Riga Technical University (RTU).

State Secretary Liga Kurevska will present Latvia's nuclear energy development plans, as outlined in the Ministry of Climate and Energy's report "Nuclear Energy Development Opportunities in Latvia". The report explores potential cooperation with Estonia. Estonia's progress in adopting small modular reactors (SMRs) by 2035 will be detailed by Kalev Kallemets, CEO of Fermi Energia.

The conference will feature leading international perspectives on nuclear energy development, including: Professor Oļegs Linkevics (RTU) presenting a comprehensive analysis of nuclear energy's potential within the Baltic region; Matti Paljakka (VTT Finland) examining Finland collaboration with other Baltic states; and Pawel Gajda, Director of the Nuclear Energy Department in Polish Ministry of Industry, will share Poland's ambitious nuclear expansion plans, including proposals for a second reactor despite early-stage construction of its first plant.

RTU scientists Antans Sauhats, Romāns Petricenko, and Diana Zalostiba will present comparative studies on nuclear energy and alternative power sources, while Aidan Morrison (Centre for Independent Studies of Australia) will deliver a reality check on Australia's renewable energy plans. Safety and sustainability will be addressed by Roman Voronov (Lithuanian Energy Institute), who will inform about reactor decommissioning and radioactive waste management.

The conference will conclude with a comparative analysis of Latvia's nuclear readiness by Agris Auce (University of Latvia).

The event invites participation from policymakers, energy professionals, students, and the public, emphasizing clean, efficient energy solutions.

Organized by non-governmental organization Development and Innovation Training Center, the conference is supported by RTU, Fermi Energia, Generation Atomic, and Odo, with funding from the Society Integration Fund from Latvian budget funds within the project "Technological knowledge for the future of Latvia - 2025".