Inquiry Regarding Electrical Power Generation Capacities (No. 746)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
Date: 2025-05-20 00:27
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 55
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 1h 4m
AI Summaries: 55/55 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
An inquiry regarding electricity generation capacity was submitted on April 8, 2025, by Riigikogu members Jaak Aab and other members of the Social Democratic Party to Minister Andres Sutt. The inquiry's focus is on the necessary development of generation capacity in Estonia, its faster implementation, and increased equipment reliability, as well as network markets and price imbalances. In 2024, Estonia consumed approximately 8 terawatt-hours of electricity, of which 5.4 TWh was produced. Forecasts indicate that consumption will exceed 10 TWh by 2030, and larger network connections with neighboring countries will not be completed on schedule in the near future. A fundamental requirement is the promotion of inclusive and distributed renewable energy production and ensuring equipment reliability, while safeguarding the interests of people and industry.
Decisions Made 1
No decisions have been made.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was Jaak Aab (Social Democratic Party). He belongs to a left-wing political party; several speakers address the Riigikogu in terms of activity and participation, but Aab has represented the interpellation most consistently and has initiated and followed topics consistently throughout the entire procedure.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
This address concerns the interpellation regarding electricity generation capacities (No. 746), submitted by Riigikogu members Jaak Aab and his colleagues, which will be presented by Jaak Aab on behalf of the interpellators.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab submitted a query regarding electricity production capacities, stressing that Estonia consumed approximately 8 terawatt-hours in 2024 while producing only 5.4 TWh. He further emphasized that, in the interest of managing consumption growth, ensuring supply security, and maintaining the economy's competitiveness, it is necessary to accelerate the development of renewable energy and distributed generation. This acceleration must be coupled with a reform of legislation and planning to guarantee investment security. He is awaiting the ministers' responses to the five questions related to this matter.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller asked Andres Sutt to answer the interpellation.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Answering inquiries, Andres Sutt clarified how Estonia plans to accelerate the development of electricity generation capacities by shortening environmental impact assessment and permitting procedures, establishing new support and long-term purchase agreement mechanisms, reforming the grid connection fee, and developing storage and dispatchable capacities, alongside the consideration of a strategic reserve starting from 2027. Furthermore, preparations are being made regarding new interconnections and nuclear energy, and the new energy management development plan will be submitted to the Riigikogu no later than the end of the year, with the goal of increasing security of supply, competitiveness, and environmental protection.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Arvo Aller thanked the speaker, noted that he had questions, and invited Helmen Kütt to come forward.
Helmen Kütt
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helmen Kütt asks whether and how the ministry led by you has supported local governments in drawing up renewable energy plans and involving communities.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Minister of Energy and Environment Andres Sutt noted that cooperation with local governments is active, but the opposition that has arisen in several municipalities is the main reason why building permits are not being issued. Consultation campaigns and a lot of one-on-one communication have been carried out, and an information hotline, 1247, has been established for questions concerning wind turbines. Work will continue using different solutions depending on the municipality.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
This is simply a request to invite Tanel Kiik to the stage.
Tanel Kiik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tanel Kiik raised a broader question regarding Estonia's energy security up to 2030, taking into account the deficit in electricity generation, the high reliance on imports, and the incidents involving cables that have occurred in the Baltic Sea.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Andres Sutt stated that Estonia's energy security depends on increasing local electricity production, disconnecting from the Russian and Belarusian electricity grids and synchronizing with the Continental European grid, protecting critical infrastructure, accelerating the market introduction of renewable energy, creating a legal framework for the deployment of nuclear energy, developing Estlink 3 and a fourth connection towards Latvia, and recognizing the role of distributed generation. He emphasized that until we have sufficient controllable capacity, we must not shut down existing facilities, and the oil shale units must be kept in reserve.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller invites Madis Kallas to take the floor.
Madis Kallas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Madis Kallas is asking the minister whether the successful renewable energy development models of Finland and Lithuania have been analyzed, and what practices—especially citizen involvement and providing answers to questions—Estonia could utilize to ensure the processes move forward more smoothly.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Energy Minister Andres Sutt stated that the development of Estonian energy and renewable energy has not halted. It continues through the development of wind farms, hybrid parks, and storage and production capacities. Furthermore, lessons have been learned regarding flexible approaches toward local government and the community, and the involvement of developers is being encouraged. Progress is being made even during elections and in a difficult atmosphere. The solution, he added, lies in people-centered local cooperation and, when necessary, direct conversations to get answers, rather than merely relying on public meetings.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller asks Tiit Maran to come forward and speak.
Tiit Maran
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He asks how system stability and the need for dispatchable reserve capacity are ensured during the development of renewable energy, and what role gas and storage technologies play in this.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Preparations for gas power plants and storage technology involve awaiting the results of Elering's 500 MW tender by early July, as well as reviewing financial instruments for financing long-term storage in cooperation with the European Investment Bank and the Nordic Investment Bank. This effort depends on investor attractiveness and the banks' willingness to lend, since the current divergence between market and exchange prices and the absence of a long-term market means that a new market for long-term direct purchase/sale agreements (PPAs) must be created or alternative solutions must be found.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
He requests that the floor be given to Allas.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas expresses concern that the energy sector lacks a grand vision and that in the chamber, it is being treated as a matter of faith. He asks whether the plan will be taken seriously, transformed into an economic issue, and steered toward solutions based on physics and mathematics. He also inquires when the grand plan might be finalized and whether sufficient efforts are being made toward that goal.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Energy policy should not be driven by dogma—and that includes the nuclear energy debate. Instead, the energy sector's development plan must present the big picture and the strategic direction, which will subsequently be refined and detailed in collaboration with all stakeholders.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Heljo Pikhof is mentioned in the speech.
Heljo Pikhof
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Heljo Pikhof is asking the minister what amendments to laws or development plans are necessary to accelerate renewable energy production capacity, and whether any concrete proposals have been presented to the government.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Minister of Energy and Environment Andres Sutt said that the Riigikogu has already approved two important draft laws, 555 and 556. A draft bill concerning planning and the organization of competitive tenders is still pending, and additionally, the Nuclear Law, the topic of the capacity mechanism, and several other draft laws are currently underway. However, the energy sector development plan provides the overall context, based on which one can see why one law or another is introduced in that specific form and at that pace.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
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Züleyxa Izmailova
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Züleyxa Izmailova asks what the main obstacles have been to date regarding the advancement of wind farm planning and permitting procedures, and whether specific steps have been initiated to accelerate these processes and provide substantive support—for instance, assisting the local municipalities involved.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The Minister of Energy and Environment, Andres Sutt, stated that energy and time are not being spared in this regard, and while advising local governments, running information campaigns, sharing experiences, and speeding up planning and permit procedures are important, success ultimately depends on how well the concerns of local residents are addressed and how significant the visible benefit from the development is for them, including material benefit.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller invited Reili Rand to speak.
Reili Rand
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Reili Rand raised a question during the session regarding the economic and technological considerations upon which the government bases its assumption that an Estonian nuclear power plant will be built. She also asked what conclusions have been drawn from the failures and cost overruns of other projects, specifically referencing the rising costs in Canada and noting that the expenses could be at least 7 billion euros compared to previous estimates.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The speech emphasizes that it is your time.
Reili Rand
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
This shouldn't be a matter of faith, so I will wait for the answer.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The state establishes the framework, but the final technology choice and the realization of the project are decided by the investor, because the first model is expensive, and prices will fall as the technology develops, and nuclear energy is on a growth path worldwide.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller invited Jaak Aab to the stage to speak.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab criticizes the Reform Party for dragging its feet and asks Andres why the marine spatial plan, the implementation of national defense compensation mechanisms, and the work associated with wind energy development have been delayed, citing as examples that the marine spatial plan was only adopted in 2022 and the last construction permit for a wind farm was issued in 2020.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The state and private investors are moving forward together because technology and storage costs have decreased, litigation has subsided, and the 2023–2024 tenders, along with the issues surrounding offshore wind farms and grid connections, all signal continued progress.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller addresses Lauri Läänemets and asks him to come.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets emphasizes that pointless state work and bureaucracy must be avoided, and asks the minister about the fundamental logic and economic viability of adding nuclear energy to Estonia's portfolio after 2035, because models and Canadian information indicate a high cost for its market entry. He also requests an explanation of how the price of nuclear energy is compared to the costs of renewable energy and whether it is sustainably economic.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The state is not building the nuclear power plant; that is a private investor's decision, which requires functioning legislation, safety standards, and a regulatory body. Although large projects have historically gone over budget and behind schedule, nuclear energy remains competitive, and on Estonia's scale, we have at least ten years to create a suitable opportunity for investors.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller invites Raimond Kaljulaid to speak.
Raimond Kaljulaid
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Raimond Kaljulaid asked when and how the study analyzed the impact of the offshore wind farms being constructed on Estonian national defense—including radars and coastal defense weaponry—and when the second stage would be reached, addressing the question concerning the use of the weaponry.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The development of renewable energy requires taking into account national defense limitations and finding diverse solutions for their compensation, given that energy, defense, and the environment constitute a single ecosystem, and a robust economy enables greater investment in these areas.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller asked Riina Sikkut to take the floor.
Riina Sikkut
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Riina Sikkut is criticizing the government's instability and its rushed decision-making process. She emphasizes the crucial importance of holding a referendum on the nuclear power plant issue, and also raises the question of how the Paldiski pumped-storage hydro plant and overall storage capacities will shape the future role of Estonia's energy system.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The Minister of Energy and Environment, Andres Sutt, stated that secure financing through banks or funds is necessary for the long-term storage capacity of the pumped-hydro power plant. To achieve this, they plan to negotiate financial instruments with the European Investment Bank and the Nordic Investment Bank.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller expressed his thanks, announced that there were no questions, and opened the debate, beginning with the speech by Jaak Aab, the representative of those who submitted the inquiry.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller requests three more minutes.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab emphasizes that Estonia's energy security and reliability of supply are a national interest and demands a swift, clear, and fair plan for developing renewable energy, reducing import dependence, involving local communities, and accelerating procedures—otherwise, the country's economy could suffer due to high prices and weak competitiveness.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The Deputy Speaker thanked [the previous speaker] and called upon Lauri Läänemets.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Three minutes are requested for the speech.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller requests three additional minutes.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets expresses concern that Estonia's future electricity supply is a critical core issue, but a clear and economically sensible plan is lacking. He notes that although analyses indicate the economic infeasibility of nuclear energy, the government’s responses are insufficient, and current planning and resource utilization are wasteful. Therefore, Estonia should focus on distributed renewable energy, storage capacity, and, where necessary, gas power plants, in order to guarantee cheap, green, and secure electricity production.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller invites Tiit Maran to speak.
Tiit Maran
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tiit Maran emphasizes that although he does not consider himself an expert in the energy sector, he has two crucial messages: first, renewable energy plans must be developed from the perspective of the people, ensuring timely communication, and decentralizing energy distribution as close to communities as possible, rather than focusing solely on industry; second, we must take into account limitations and the environmental footprint, because renewable energy is not 100% environmentally friendly. Furthermore, misconceptions regarding logging and subsidies in Natura areas must be corrected.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller thanked the Minister of Energy and Environment, Andres Sutt, and invited him to elaborate.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Andres Sutt stated briefly that investing in nuclear energy is economically viable, and globally, investments are growing both in new nuclear power plants and in the development of small modular reactors (SMRs). He added that this is strategically important and is being discussed within the framework of the energy sector development plan for 2035.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Arvo Aller announced that there were no requests to speak, closes the debate, and today's final agenda item has now been concluded.