Electrical supply
Session: 15th Estonian Parliament, 4th sitting, press briefing
Date: 2024-10-16 15:16
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 10
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 13m
AI Summaries: 10/10 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu posed today's second question to the Minister of the Interior, Lauri Läänemets, concerning electrical equipment and energy security. Aivar Kokk posed the question, addressing whether the state could increase directed energy production and utilize pellet boiler combustion, for example in Narva, to ensure a stable flow of electricity and control consumer prices during the winter period. A key concern raised was the balance between capability and economic viability: whether retrofitting old shale boilers into pellet-based boiler types would be realistic, and whether it could replace or reduce the need for wind and solar energy implementation, especially when these are often unmanageable. Challenges were also raised regarding pellet production volumes, production costs, and the potential impact on state procurements, as well as the need for greater investment in new boilers or biogas plants that could utilize biomethane. Another topic addressed the levels of support for green energy producers and their impact on energy prices, and discussed how to ensure long-term energy security and a competitive price for consumers, taking into account European Union rules and costs associated with climate change.
Decisions Made 1
The discussion did not result in any specific decisions. Decisions that would alter the direction of energy leases or increase electricity generation based on pellets were not approved; it was noted that a more thorough analysis and assessment are needed, as well as possible investment in new boiler equipment and the use of biogas in gas stations.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was Member of the Riigikogu Aivar Kokk (pid VTIO4yVEz1k). He posed thorough questions and clarifications regarding the use of pellets, the need for regulated electricity, and the energy distribution in the Narva region, emphasizing the need to find solutions that guarantee control and independence for the state. His position: other (this refers to a member of parliament as an expression of political direction, not a directly left- or right-wing position).
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Riigikogu member Aivar Kokk is posing a second question to Minister of the Interior Lauri Läänemets, who is fulfilling the duties of the Prime Minister, and the topic is the electricity supply.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk proposed converting the old oil shale boilers located in Narva to pellet burning, aiming to produce approximately 800,000 tons of pellets annually and cover a large portion of the winter electricity demand using green and dispatchable energy. The investment required would be around 80 million euros, which is significantly cheaper than wind farm projects, and he asked whether the government had discussed this option.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Lauri Läänemets stated that the Ministry of Climate has not submitted a proposal, nor has the government been informed of it; the continuation or replacement of the old oil shale boilers would likely require billions in investments for new boilers, while energy policy is simultaneously shifting towards renewable energy, and gas plants are expected to operate using biogas, although the biomethane market and European regulations could impact this.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks the minister and asks Aivar Kokk to present a clarifying question.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
There is talk about the need for dispatchable electricity, and that the issues surrounding pellets and wood chips must be discussed more broadly, and fairness in procurements must be ensured, because without dispatchable power, Estonia will not be competitive, and cable connections alone may not suffice.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets said that logging should not be the primary focus in large-scale energy generation. Energy development must utilize biomethane, biogas, and agricultural waste. Simultaneously, it is necessary to protect species and the ecological role of forests, and achieve the same or greater added value with a smaller volume of felling.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the audience and called upon Aleksandr Tšaplõgin to ask a follow-up question.
Aleksandr Tšaplõgin
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Aleksandr Tšaplõgin emphasizes that Estonia spends hundreds of millions of euros annually on green energy, but green production is dependent on the weather. He then asks the minister whether Estonia will be capable of providing sufficient and affordable green energy six years from now.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Lauri Läänemets said that Estonia aims to produce the electricity it consumes entirely from renewable sources by 2030. He emphasized that the issue is not just the size of the renewable energy fee, but the overall price of electricity and how much we pay in total, adding that the costs of climate change are greater than the transition to renewable energy, and that previous political forces have hindered the development of wind energy.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks the Minister and concludes the consideration of today's second question.