VILNIUS, July 2 (Xinhua) -- The Lithuanian government approved a proposal by the Energy Ministry on Wednesday to evaluate the potential for developing nuclear energy in the country. A special working group will be established to conduct the assessment.

"We are essentially talking about small modular nuclear reactors," Energy Minister Zygimantas Vaiciunas said during a cabinet meeting, according to the Baltic News Service (BNS).

The Energy Ministry emphasized that, in light of climate change and the need for energy security, nuclear reactors with a combined capacity of up to 1.5 gigawatts (GW) could be installed in Lithuania.

Projections indicate that electricity demand in the country will rise significantly over the coming decades, from 24 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2030 to 48 TWh in 2040, and 74 TWh by 2050.

"To ensure sufficient electricity generation capacity and a reliable, accessible power supply, it is essential to consider new, clean, and controllable electricity sources in Lithuania," the ministry stated.

Lithuania previously operated the Soviet-era Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant, which was shut down in 2010 as part of the country's commitments upon joining the European Union. A later referendum on constructing a new nuclear plant failed to gain public approval. Enditem