Renewable Energy Support Payments
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, information briefing
Date: 2024-10-23 16:28
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
Eight questions to the Riigikogu concerned the payment of renewable energy support measures. The question was posed by Riigikogu member Varro Vooglaid to Prime Minister Kristen Michal, and he pointed out that a total of €75.6 million was paid as renewable energy support in 2023, and three significant companies – Enefit Wind, Enefit Green, and Utilitas Tallinna Elektrijaam – received approximately one-third of this total (€15.15 million; €4.8 million; €4.8 million). Vooglaid compared these figures with the companies' profits and presented his reasoning using calculations: why should taxpayer money be used to provide support to businesses that are highly profitable? He also presented his understanding of fairness and asked the government for an explanation as to how this is justified.
Decisions Made 1
No decisions were made during the discussion on this matter.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was Prime Minister Kaja Kallas (pid ehjpLK1FIak). She represented the right-leaning government position (right). She gave a thorough answer and explained how the support mechanisms work and what their goals are, emphasizing transparency, competition, and consumer interest as the end result, which should not unnecessarily increase consumer spending to a small extent.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar announces that we will proceed to the eighth question, which will be posed by Riigikogu member Varro Vooglaid to Prime Minister Kristen Michal concerning the payment of renewable energy subsidies.

Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vooglaid is asking the Prime Minister why renewable energy subsidies are being paid for with taxpayer money to three profitable companies (Enefit Wind, Enefit Green, and Utilitas Tallinna Elektrijaam), considering that their 2023 profits are significant.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
The Prime Minister outlines how the state utilizes tenders and support mechanisms to introduce new technologies to the market within the energy sector and district heating networks. This is aimed at providing cheaper, better, and cleaner services in the future, ensuring this outcome even while companies remain profitable, despite the fact that some of these markets are inherently monopolistic.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asked Varro Vooglaid to present a clarifying question.

Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid questions why additional renewable energy subsidies are being paid out of taxpayers' money to companies that are already generating large profits thanks to CO2 quotas, and why this is fair, while simultaneously pointing to a government bill that slashes health insurance coverage for certain mothers.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
The Prime Minister explains that the introduction of technologies to the market and the renovation of buildings will take place through transparent competition with the same conditions for everyone, and consumers will only pay for the service if it is clean and energy-efficient.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks [the previous speaker] and asks Rain Epler to ask a follow-up question.

Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler believes that subsidies for renewable energy should be reviewed, arguing that Eesti Energia is a profitable state-owned company and that further subsidies, along with investments in grids and storage, could raise electricity prices and damage competitiveness. Consequently, the rationale for continuing these support payments at all should be re-examined.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
The Prime Minister asserts that renewable energy is cheaper, and the investments made through these rules will bring more affordable and cleaner energy to the market, which strengthens the economy and export competitiveness.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar gives thanks and announces that the handling of the eighth question is concluded.