First reading of the Riigikogu Draft Resolution "Supporting the Introduction of Nuclear Energy in Estonia" (431 OE)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Date: 2024-05-29 19:28
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 119
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 1h 41m
AI Summaries: 119/119 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
Bill 431 – First reading in the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) of the Riigikogu decision “Supporting the Introduction of Nuclear Energy in Estonia.” The core of the agenda is the decision to grant a mandate to establish a phase: a planning framework and regulatory basis for potential nuclear energy, which would later allow for the consideration and evaluation of the introduction of nuclear energy in Estonia. Representatives emphasize that this is a technology-neutral and regulatory framework that must adhere to international standards (including IAEA) and ensure safety. Furthermore, the necessity of establishing a regulator, the distribution of jurisdictions and responsibilities, and potential economic and social impacts are being discussed. The presenters of the bill are listened to attentively, and the discussion covers both the technical and political aspects, as well as issues requiring public debate, such as the cost to buyers, state participation, and consumer interests.
Decisions Made 1
Conclude the first reading of the Bill (OE); set the deadline for amendments as 12:00 on June 5th; organize public sittings of the Environment Committee on May 28th, and joint public sittings of the Environment Committee and the Economic Affairs Committee on June 4th; and continue work on the framework and cooperation with ENMAK in accordance with the instructions.
Most Active Speaker
Mario Kadastik (Reform Party) – on the right
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Apologies, but I cannot present myself as Mario Kadastik; the Riigikogu has reached the third item on the agenda and is discussing Bill 431 in its first reading, concerning support for the introduction of nuclear energy in Estonia.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kadastik confirmed during the first reading in the Riigikogu that Estonia intends to prepare for the introduction of nuclear energy, along with a suitable legal framework and regulatory system, adhering to IAEA standards. This is to allow a fundamental decision to be made regarding the possibility of proceeding with consideration before detailed analyses, and to acknowledge that nuclear energy is emission-free and can provide both electricity and heat, as well as small reactors in the future. However, locations, capacity, and areas of application will be determined in subsequent decisions.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Jüri Ratas thanked the presenter, requested questions from the audience and silence in the hall, and then introduced Aleksandr Tšaplõgin.
Aleksandr Tšaplõgin
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He raises the biggest question for the consumer—at what price he will buy the nuclear energy—and asks whether there is an answer to it.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kadastik notes that the price of SMR electricity could be around 27–30 euros per megawatt-hour (roughly three cents per kilowatt-hour). The final price for the consumer would primarily consist of operating costs, as the capital expenditure must be borne by the investor. He also points out that today’s low prices are largely related to restrictions on the Finnish interconnector.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas asks Priit Lomp to come forward to speak.
Priit Lomp
AI Summary
Priit Lomp thanked the chair and the rapporteur, apologized, and then asked why the initiator failed to produce a more substantive draft bill based on the proposals, and why they did not emphasize that in the future direct and indirect costs should be covered by the nuclear power plant owners, ensuring the state and electricity consumers would not pay them subsidies, and furthermore, why the expert-recommended solutions that could reduce social tension were not utilized.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kadastik stated that it is not reasonable today to fix the terms for energy production with a ten-year perspective. Furthermore, subsidies should be minimal and, if required, carefully weighed, considering the operation of the free market and the socio-economic impact.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
This address is simply a plea: Tanel Kiik, please.
Tanel Kiik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tanel Kiik is inquiring about the security risks of nuclear energy and the associated costs, expressing concern about how this squares with the state's overall direction of finding areas for savings and avoiding additional commitments.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Currently, the focus is on developing the legal framework. The execution of security checks and background checks is tied to subsequent phases because the precise risk assessment and associated costs depend on the specific plant’s technology, construction method, and location, and must be carried out after the plant selection.
Tiit Maran
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tiit Maran criticizes the decision to grant the state authorization to create legislation for the deployment of nuclear energy, emphasizing the need for analyses and careful consideration, and asking why it must be adopted before the Energy Sector Development Plan is finalized.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The Deputy Speaker asks Tiit Maran to come forward and speak.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mario Kadastik stated that the energy sector development plan is a variant currently under consideration, and the Riigikogu must first adopt a decision in principle regarding the feasibility of considering this option. Following that, the ENMAK framework will allow for a more detailed examination of what form it might take, and the necessary analyses for developing the safety law are required, which are presumably already factored in.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas offers the presenter a white piece of paper and a pen so that the questions can be written down.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He said that he had a pen and paper, and that he hadn't expected so many questions all at once.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas stressed that one must be prepared for anything when standing at the Riigikogu podium, and he then called upon Züleyxa Izmailova.
Züleyxa Izmailova
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Züleyxa Izmailova noted that the draft bill seems superficial and that the rush might stem from the European Parliament elections, and asked if she understood correctly that a regulator must be established beforehand for the country to adopt nuclear energy.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He emphasizes that the draft bill is not connected to the European elections and that the timing is purely coincidental. He also highlights the role of the regulator, who will decide, based on existing analyses, whether to proceed with nuclear energy or put the brakes on it.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas invited Mart Maastik to the stage.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mart Maastik highlighted that Estonia does not have a clear energy source development plan and is channeling enormous resources into the development of offshore wind farms, which could result in an energy surplus, and he asked what the obstacles are and why a decision regarding the adoption of nuclear energy is needed.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kadastik said that without a legislative framework and fundamental readiness, we don't have specific projects to analyze, because all subsequent stages already depend on the choice of technology.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas invited Andre Hanimägi to speak.
Andre Hanimägi
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Andre Hanimägi highlighted the cognitive dissonance: while the title of the declaration promises support for the introduction of nuclear energy in Estonia, it simultaneously stresses the necessity of analyses and studies, raising the question of why the decision isn't first grounded in planning and gathering knowledge.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
For years, we have conducted a specific analysis that clearly shows whether it is feasible to build a nuclear power plant in Estonia. Now is the time to decide whether to move forward and consider its construction, and this will certainly require further research.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
This is a brief announcement requesting that Aleksei Yevgrafov be invited to the stage.
Aleksei Jevgrafov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Aleksei Jevgrafov noted that he felt the decision should not be rushed, and asked Mario whether all the necessary studies and analyses had been completed to confirm that a nuclear power plant is both essential and suitable for Estonia.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kadastik stated that even though the question is reversed, technology can be used to achieve climate goals, and a thorough analysis conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate confirmed that this is possible—the answer is yes.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas expresses skepticism about rushing the development of nuclear energy in Estonia. He stresses that an economic assessment must be conducted before any action is taken, and he mentions the influence of lobby groups, warning that haste will ultimately result in higher costs for taxpayers.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Anti Allas was mentioned in the speech.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The economic calculation depends on many factors, not just electricity. Finland is considering investing more heavily in central heating, and Estonia’s major problem is indecisiveness, which means that at some point, decisions simply have to be made so we can move forward.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The speech is simply a brief request to Kersti Sarapuu.
Kersti Sarapuu
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kersti Sarapuu is asking what the view is on the stance that Estonia doesn't need nuclear energy because renewables—solar and wind—can cover the country's entire energy demand.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mario Kadastik stresses the necessity of comprehensive calculations and a reliable base reserve, pointing out that the Paldiski storage facility only covers a fraction of the load. Furthermore, gas power plants will not be able to serve as a trustworthy base reserve after 2040, meaning that placing too much emphasis solely on cables is not a viable solution.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Jüri Ratas invites Tiit Maran to speak.
Tiit Maran
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tiit Maran emphasizes that the claim of cheap nuclear energy does not hold true, as its cost is at least as expensive as offshore wind energy, and it significantly burdens taxpayers. He also asks how support works in the case of 100% renewable energy and how the lack of dispatchability is resolved.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kadastik stresses that stabilization largely comes via cables from our neighbors, and we need both—nuclear and renewable energy. The final price and the burden on the taxpayer will depend on investments and potential support measures, given that wind farms are replaced periodically, whereas a nuclear power plant remains operational for a longer period.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Jüri Ratas invites Mart Maastik to the stage.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mart Maastik stressed that before drafting the legislation, we must determine what kind of energy source we need and what the cost will be, and only then decide whether we require nuclear power, offshore wind farms, or onshore wind farms, rather than trying to develop everything simultaneously.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
I would prefer a market economy where investors decide how much is produced, and the share of capital investments needs to be re-evaluated over time because that capital eventually requires replacement.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas invites Aleksei Jevgrafov to the stage.
Aleksei Jevgrafov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Aleksei Jevgrafov asks Mario to share his vision regarding where a nuclear power plant could be built in Estonia, and how many suitable locations there are in total.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
A site assessment was carried out for the nuclear power plant, which revealed 13 possible locations, and the most probable of these are Ida-Viru and Lääne-Viru counties, where the water and other access is best.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas asked Priit Lomp to present his second question.
Priit Lomp
AI Summary
Priit Lomp emphasizes that the debate concerning nuclear energy, electrical energy, and thermal energy must continue, noting that the input of lobbyists significantly influences this discussion. He then questions why the deadline for amendments is only five working days and where this sudden haste came from.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mario Kadastik notes that the design of small modular reactors focuses on controllability, and different solutions can react within minutes to hours. Furthermore, nuclear energy can balance renewable energy fluctuations and additionally offer affordable district heating, meaning the electricity market and heating solutions are not contradictory.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Please provide the full text of the speech so that I can draft an accurate one-sentence summary.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid stated that the draft bill is fundamentally flawed, as it fails to specify who would own the potential nuclear power plant and who would control it. He could only support it if the majority ownership belonged to the state and served the interests of the Estonian people; otherwise, the discussion cannot be initiated.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kadastik said that the form of ownership is a matter for debate, and although state participation can take various forms, he did not take a position on the issue, and this is not a hindrance to the processing of the draft bill, as it depends on the specific use cases.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas asked Tanel Tein to come forward.
Tanel Tein
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The speaker asks Jüri and Mario for clarification on several points: Is the plan to abandon gas usage by 2040 definite? What is the scope of the 16-year timeline? What exactly does this mean? And will gas disappear permanently, making it impossible to use anymore?
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He emphasizes that, according to the European climate goals plan, natural gas is only a transitional fuel. This phase should conclude by the end of 2040, requiring us to phase out natural gas and replace it with biomethane, though there is uncertainty regarding the available volumes.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Jüri Ratas invites Kalev Stoicescu to take the floor.
Kalev Stoicescu
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalev Stoicescu asked what the overall impression is of Finland's and Sweden's attitude towards nuclear energy — do they care about the natural environment and the future of their people, and are they generally satisfied with the benefits of nuclear energy.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
I attended the Nordic Nuclear Forum in Helsinki and heard that nuclear energy is extremely highly regarded in both Sweden and Finland. Sweden plans to add about ten gigawatts of capacity (roughly ten reactors) by 2045, and restrictions on the number and location of reactors have been removed. The same is expected for Finland, whose plans will be revealed this autumn.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
During the address, Züleyxa Izmailova was invited to take the floor.
Züleyxa Izmailova
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The speaker noted that the costs of major projects tend to run higher than initially planned, and inquired how much the costs of establishing the nuclear regulator and the plant could actually increase compared to the final report.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Cost and schedule overruns are common in major projects, and in nuclear construction, the primary causes are often the unique, customizable design combined with the permitting process and regulatory changes that inevitably lead to surprises and delays. Consequently, the successful completion of the project relies heavily on the selection of the main contractor.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas addresses Varro Vooglaid and asks him for something.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid emphasizes that the fundamental question regarding the ownership and profit distribution of the future nuclear power plant—specifically, whether it belongs to the Estonian state or private capital—should serve the welfare of the Estonian people. He expressed surprise that the statement fails to address this issue, likening the omission to ignoring the question of whom one should marry.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mario Kadastik emphasizes that the issue of ownership between the state and private capital is not a matter of principle, but rather a topic for debate that depends on the nature of the project, and it may be stipulated in law that the state must be a minority or majority owner.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas invited Jaak Aab to speak.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab is asking what the overall purpose of this decision is and how its legally non-binding assessment is supposed to influence future actions, especially if the bill does not mandate the drafting of nuclear energy legislation or the allocation of budgetary funds.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
I have not personally seen the legal department's assessment, but based on the current comments, I have a clear indication from the Riigikogu that the matter must proceed and the government has the option, if necessary, to continue with the framework of the Ministry of Climate.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas asks Rain Epler to come forward.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler criticizes his party colleague Ligi and the lobbying efforts of the Social Democrats, providing examples regarding energy efficiency and material requirements. He also notes that a former Social Democrat minister is currently the head of a wind energy company.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He claims that the impact of nuclear energy on ecosystems and human health is very small because a very small plant provides a large volume of energy over a long period, and the resources required for construction and operation are substantially smaller compared to other energy sources—a point he highlighted in light of this study.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas asked Mart Helme to speak.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme stresses that the development of both renewable energy and nuclear energy is beyond Estonia's means. He emphasizes the necessity of a rational choice and asks how the coalition assesses its support for the development and financing of onshore and offshore wind farms—isn't this precisely changing horses midstream?
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
In summary, the speech states that although the nuclear power plant is scheduled for completion in the 2030s, now is not the time for immediate decisions. In the interim, we must develop wind, solar, and storage capacity, because energy consumption will increase by 2040, and one or two nuclear reactors will not be enough to cover that demand.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas asks that Allas be given the opportunity to speak.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He/She asks where the currently planned nuclear power plants are actually operational or under construction, and where they are located.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kadastik said that we currently do not have any nuclear power plants under planning or valid legislation for them, and the very purpose of the draft bill is to create this legislation. He mentioned the BWRX-300 design as one possible variant and gave an example from Canada, where the design must be licensed and verified before construction can begin, and the preliminary completion time would be around 2028.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas invited Siim Pohlak to the stage.
Siim Pohlak
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Siim Pohlak emphasizes that in the case of a nuclear power plant, the state must control the process and hold a stake, or even establish the plant itself. He adds that the same principle applies to revenue generated from natural resources, and he demands that this fundamental issue be clearly stipulated in the draft legislation immediately.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He emphasizes that the question of state participation is not fundamentally important for today's decision and remains a matter for discussion, since the current inclination is towards private capital, and the size of the state's stake can be decided later.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Jüri Ratas invites Helmen Kütt to take the floor.
Helmen Kütt
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helmen Kütt stated that the draft legislation appears ill-conceived and rushed, and before proceeding, one should consider the long-term impact and financial accountability. This is because it makes no difference whether foreign capital or someone else undertakes the project—they take the profit, and we are left with the pollution.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kadastik stresses that the core question during the drafting phase of the Nuclear Safety Act is whether the technology should be permitted in the first place. Furthermore, decisions should hinge on the specific application site and the context of the reactors, rather than a blanket principle—in Finland, for instance, it has been determined that reactors under 50 megawatts do not require a parliamentary decision, whereas those exceeding that threshold do.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas invites Mart Helme to take the floor.
Mart Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Mart Helme stresses that while the wind farms and the nuclear power plant are long-term projects set to be completed in the distant future, he will not support them until the draft bill clearly stipulates who covers the general costs, the environmental and health expenditures, and who benefits from the revenues, because otherwise the profits might end up in the hands of Swedish banks.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
In summary, Kadastik emphasizes that the Nuclear Energy Safety Act must establish waste financing by creating a decommissioning fund, into which the company contributes from its first day of operation based on the energy produced. Furthermore, while privately owned nuclear power plants do not need to be 100% state-owned, it is the ministry's responsibility to draft these conditions and, if necessary, amend the law in the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament).
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Jüri Ratas invites Siim Pohlak to speak.
Siim Pohlak
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Siim Pohlak stresses that a large nuclear power plant and the entire country’s energy supply must remain under state ownership and control, and privatization is incompatible with the will of the Estonian people, as it constitutes a strategically important pillar.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He stressed that when drafting the Nuclear Energy Safety Act, the capacity limit for state ownership must be taken into account. This limit should not be definitively fixed in the current principled decision; rather, it requires expert evaluations and debate (citing the 50 MW limit in Finland as an example).
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas invites Rain Epler to the stage.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler emphasizes that the energy system must be independent of weather conditions, and subsidies for wind and solar power should be terminated, because the more of these dependencies we build, the greater the need for supporting nuclear energy becomes.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The future of the electricity market is being discussed: the role of CFDs, the impact of support rates provided to renewable energy, and the necessity of CFDs for nuclear energy are currently uncertain, and the decision on the precise solution must only be made in light of the European market reform and the developments of the next 15 years.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas asks to invite Priit Sibul to the stage.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul is debating where the line should be drawn regarding energy decisions that require parliamentary approval (such as nuclear power), and where those decisions and associated funding (like wind subsidies) should fall to the government or ministerial level. He argues this because overly broad involvement could ultimately lead to costs spiraling out of control.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kadastik stated that although a public debate has taken place and the majority of the population supports moving forward with nuclear energy, the final decision must pass through the Riigikogu in order to secure a mandate to proceed.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas thanked the rapporteur for the answers, stated that there were no further questions, and now invited Igor Taro, the Chairman of the Environment Committee, to take the Riigikogu rostrum to speak.
Igor Taro
AI Summary
The Environment Committee discussed the preparation for the first reading of Draft Bill 431, covering the scope and objectives for considering nuclear energy, the establishment of TEOS, the resulting obligations and costs for both the public and private sectors, and the necessity and timing of required analyses. The Committee ultimately decided to conclude the first reading and schedule subsequent public hearings, as thorough discussion and further additional analysis are still needed.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas thanked the rapporteur, noted that there were no questions, and declared the debate open, inviting Priit Lomp, as the representative of thection, to the rostrum.
Priit Lomp
AI Summary
He confirms that he is the faction's representative.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Priit Lomp is representing the Social Democratic Party faction at the Riigikogu podium.
Priit Lomp
AI Summary
Priit Lomp thanks you and asks for three more minutes.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas requested eight minutes.
Priit Lomp
AI Summary
Priit Lomp calmly and responsibly urged against rushing the nuclear energy issue. He emphasized that before making a decision, Estonia must thoroughly consider the energy sector development plan, weigh the risks, waste management, and the costs borne by the state and consumers, specifically avoiding the provision of state subsidies to the nuclear power plant owners. Furthermore, he submitted a proposal for the rejection of Draft Bill 431.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker of the Riigikogu Jüri Ratas called the speaker to the rostrum, and Urmas Reinsalu was invited to represent the Isamaa faction.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu criticized the government for implementing energy policy through isolated decisions and lacking a comprehensive view, and called on Parliament to pressure the coalition into presenting a package outlining the core principles of a holistic energy policy that would cover security of supply, competitiveness, and price stability. He also noted that nuclear energy could be part of this plan, but not as a standalone solution.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas signals to the presenter that their time is up and asks if they would like additional time.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu wishes to continue his speech for three more minutes.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas made a brief request: "Please!"
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu called for unity between the government and parliament on energy policy, emphasizing that for the sake of the country's long-term security, there cannot be multiple conflicting energy policies. Instead, oil shale energy production must be coordinated with European regulations, and the draft bill should be used as a platform for formulating the minimum expectations to be presented to the current government.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The Deputy Speaker thanked [the previous speaker], invited the next speaker to the Riigikogu rostrum, and noted that Toomas Uibo represents the Eesti 200 faction.
Toomas Uibo
Profiling Eesti 200 fraktsioonAI Summary
Toomas Uibo thanked the Chair and all previous speakers, noting that the debate was emotionally escalating. He confirmed that the Estonian energy sector lacks a long-term plan and that this must be addressed, adding that they are currently working on it.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas invites the rapporteur to take the floor.
Toomas Uibo
Profiling Eesti 200 fraktsioonAI Summary
Today, Toomas Uibo is urging consideration of whether Estonia needs a nuclear power plant, emphasizing the necessity of gathering more information, establishing a regulatory body, and considering a diversified energy mix, because indecision has already harmed the economy.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Jüri Ratas simply makes a request: "Please!"
Toomas Uibo
Profiling Eesti 200 fraktsioonAI Summary
We cannot afford to fall into the trap of indecision. We must make a clear and definitive decision on whether Estonia needs nuclear energy, taking into account safety and security concerns, as well as the owner’s role, because this decision could boost competition, bring new companies into Estonian energy production, and affect the stability of energy prices.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas now invites [the representative] to the Riigikogu rostrum and asks whether Rain Epler is the representative of the EKRE faction.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler emphasized that a common-sense balance must be introduced into energy policy: long-term profitable and high-quality energy, along with greater state participation if a central nuclear power plant is involved. However, state participation is not always necessary for smaller plants. Furthermore, the impact of subsidies and lobbying for wind and solar energy must be critically assessed, because energy profitability demonstrates that nuclear energy offers consistently higher returns than wind and solar, and long-term well-being depends precisely on the quality of the energy supply.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Jüri Ratas makes a simple and polite request in his speech.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler emphasizes that an economically viable solution for large-scale storage technologies is currently lacking, and Estonia should focus on adopting nuclear energy, avoid creating redundant capacity with gas power plants, and continue using oil shale due to the national resource, expertise, and scientific base, which also reduces pollution.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
On behalf of the Reform Party faction, Mario Kadastik is invited to the Riigikogu podium to deliver a speech.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mario Kadastik offered his thanks and briefly summarized by stating that while Priit Lomp’s survey was conducted by Fermi and might have been biased by the Developer, the recent results from the Ministry of Climate showed that the questions were not leading. Furthermore, regarding the replacement of oil shale energy, nuclear energy received the most support (49%), followed by wind energy with storage (32%), and only thirdly, solar energy with storage (21%). He also emphasized that the draft bill is an initiative put forward by members of the Riigikogu (MPs), and although the minister was not required to be present, he supports this discussion.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The lead committee concludes the first reading of Bill 431 and prepares to vote on the proposal by the Social Democratic Party faction to reject the first reading of Bill 431.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The result of the vote was 19 in favor, 45 against, with no abstentions; the proposed amendments to Draft Law 431 failed to gain support, and the deadline for their submission is 12:00 PM on June 5th of the current year. The first reading has been concluded and the third item on the agenda addressed, and our colleagues are moving forward at a good pace.