2012-07-18 15:41

Hitachi says it is not deterred by nuclear plant referendum

Japan's Hitachi says that the Lithuanian parliament's decision to hold a non-binding referendum to consult voters on plans to build a new nuclear power plant will not change its decision to participate in the project, the business daily Verslo Žinios reports.
Protestas prieš atominę elektrinę
Not everyone is convinced about the benefits of a nuclear power plant / Sauliaus Chadasevičiaus / 15min nuotr.

"We are not considering exiting the project," it quoted Terry Kubo, the head of public relations at Hitachi Power Systems, as saying.

Asked how a negative vote would affect Hitachi's attitude toward Visaginas plant, Kubo said that, based on earlier media reports, the company "knows that many people in Lithuania support the project and understand its benefits in ensuring the region's energy security."

Several Lithuanian officials close to the project earlier told Verslo Žinios unofficially that they were worried that Hitachi might pull out of the project due to excess political risk after the Seimas voted in favor of calling a non-binding referendum on the new nuclear power plant.

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