The Minister of Energy and Environment's 2025 presentation on the implementation of the long-term development strategy "Estonia 2035"
Session: Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
Date: 2025-05-21 20:03
Total Speeches: 85
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 1h 35m
AI Summaries: 85/85 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The seventh agenda item concerned the Minister of Energy and Environment’s presentation for 2025 on the implementation of the state's long-term development strategy "Estonia 2035." The presentation was given by the Minister of Energy and Environment, Andres Sutt. It was noted that the presentation would last up to 30 minutes, and each member of the Riigikogu (Parliament) would have the opportunity to ask one oral question, followed by negotiations between parliamentary groups. This portion was intended to initiate discussions relating to basic principles and plans, and to set long-term goals in cooperation between the government and parliament.
Decisions Made 1
No final decisions were made. The discussion will continue in subsequent sessions; further clarification of the specific drafts and preparatory work, as well as continued cooperation between factions, will continue.
Most Active Speaker
Most active speaker: Urmas Reinsalu (Isamaa faction). Positioned on the right; his contributions were essentially of a critical and thought-provoking nature and represented a strong oppositional viewpoint regarding energy policy and transparency. He appears to have valued respected mentions and background analysis and posed several concrete questions, demanding clarity regarding the inputs and funding of decisions and bills.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The seventh item on the agenda is the 2025 report by the Minister of Energy and Environment on the implementation of the state's long-term development strategy, "Eesti 2035." I now call upon the Minister of Energy and Environment, Andres Sutt, to present the report. According to the procedure, the presentation is limited to 30 minutes, each member of the Riigikogu may ask one oral question, and this will be followed by discussions for the parliamentary factions.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The report confirms that Estonia is strengthening the clean energy backbone of its economy, increasing renewable energy production and storage, ensuring dispatchable capacity, and, if necessary, considering the establishment of a regulatory framework for nuclear energy. This is being done while simultaneously implementing the climate-resilient economy law and focusing attention on nature conservation, air quality, and the sustainable management of forests, in order to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 2035 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The speaker thanked the audience, invited questions, and asked Reili Rand to respond.
Reili Rand
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Reili Rand reiterates that the discussion centers on the future of the environment and energy, and she asks again about the feasibility of constructing a nuclear power plant and what economic and technological assessments the government is using to establish the prerequisites, noting at the same time that delays and cost increases in wind farms have failed to yield any conclusions.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The Estonian state is not building a nuclear power plant itself; rather, it is creating a regulatory environment that encourages investment, because, according to the International Energy Agencies, nuclear energy is a global reality and essential for ensuring baseload capacity, with the required investment range reaching 1–3 trillion by 2040.
Züleyxa Izmailova
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Züleyxa Izmailova asks how the 70% forest cutting plan was arrived at, and in what sense this is considered a clear and balanced framework. She also asks what 30% or 50% of cut forest would actually mean, what nature conservation goals such extensive logging would achieve, and how this would better protect nature conservation than smaller harvesting volumes.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller made a request to Züleyxa Izmailova.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The Minister of Energy and Environment, Andres Sutt, confirmed that the 70% limit does not mean felling forests, as management will be carried out according to regulations, and this portion of the forest can be managed responsibly and sustainably while simultaneously protecting the forest and its landscape features. Furthermore, the discussion should proceed politely and without hostility.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arhipov emphasizes the common goals—clean air and cheap electricity—and asks concisely whether the use of oil shale would bring electricity prices down to the same level as in Finland, and whether the minister shares this view.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller addresses Vladimir Arhipov and asks him.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
I have seen different figures, and therefore it is very difficult for me to answer this question — the production cost of oil shale energy is certainly not the same as the price of electricity in Finland, and I do not know what assumptions those claims are based on.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller calls upon Tiit Maran to speak.
Tiit Maran
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tiit Maran emphasized that the actual balance needs to be viewed through the lens of the 30% and 70% issues, where the 30% does not signify a prohibition on economic activity; rather, it has been subjected to various restrictions regarding its substance. Furthermore, there is an intent to introduce this via legislation without any prior thorough discussion, while decisions concerning the 70% and a balanced debate are absent. Moreover, the KEVAD development plan, which could serve as the foundation for balanced development, has remained unadopted for two years.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Minister of Energy and Environment Andres Sutt stated that the forestry development plan until 2035 will be brought before the Riigikogu, and the matter of 30% restrictions requires debate. However, solutions must be customized—tailor-made approaches—and the Environmental Board, when granting felling permits, must base its decisions on local habitats and conservation needs, while prioritizing sustainable forest management and the long-term value for the forest owner.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller invites Peeter Ernits to speak.
Peeter Ernits
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Ernits is asking what exactly happened to the large, detailed energy plan agreed upon under the previous government, seeing as the large offshore wind farms and other projects aren't moving forward and the current picture is entirely different. He also questions why the Minister of the Environment wasn't even included in the discussions.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The Energy Development Plan lays out a comprehensive strategy for the energy sector, and its adoption is scheduled to take place within this year. We will be discussing it in the Riigikogu this autumn, and currently, we are supplementing the prepared draft with a strategic perspective and specific focus areas, ensuring that the final document provides a clear direction and various tools to support this transition.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller calls Aleksei Jevgrafov.
Aleksei Jevgrafov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Aleksei Jevgrafov asks what the view is on implementing CO2 capture technologies in Estonia's oil shale and oil shale electricity production.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Minister Sutt said that currently there is no new technology available for use on an industrial scale, and if it is invented, it would be a major breakthrough and could be implemented in Estonia. Regarding the Auvere plant, he emphasized that cost components, including CO2, cannot be eliminated there, and we cannot choose on the market which rules we follow. He added that the share of biomass at Auvere has increased, and thanks to the biomass, the emissions profile is different, which helps improve competitiveness.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
This is an invitation for Priit Sibul to perform.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul inquired about the coverage of nature protection in Estonia—the target of 30% of land and 30% of sea—and what its current status is compared to other countries. He further added that the draft law on a climate-resilient economy should be shelved and not dealt with any further.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Minister of Energy and Environment Andres Sutt said that work on the necessary draft legislation will continue and that the discussion of the Climate-Resilient Economy Act will reach the Riigikogu calmly, adding that 30% of forest land is under protection and the 70% designated as commercial forest emphasizes the protection of biodiversity and valuable habitats alongside reasonable economic activity.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
This is merely a request to give Evelin Poolamets a chance to speak.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Poolamets emphasized that RMK is the steward of Estonian forests and biodiversity. However, the granting of superficies rights via an auction held at the end of 2024 for the establishment of wind farms, and the extensive clearing of forests associated with it, raises the question of when RMK became the developer of the forests and how this is reflected in the balance between economic management and nature conservation.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The plots put up for auction by RMK for wind energy development were selected rationally from both an economic and nature conservation standpoint. This means wind farms can be built exactly where wind conditions are suitable and the forest doesn't require special protection. Although 1% of forest land—about 23,000 hectares—is being used for this purpose, this constitutes a very small fraction, and there is no question of extensive logging or deforestation, especially considering that approximately 28–29% of the mainland is already under protection.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
This is a quick call to invite Andre Hanimägi to the stage.
Andre Hanimägi
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Andre Hanimägi questions whether nuclear energy belongs in Estonia's dispatchable energy policy, pointing out Prime Minister Kaja Kallas’s assertion that nuclear is not dispatchable, despite the fact that it is controllable, albeit slow. He also asks how the development of other dispatchable sources and the construction of a gas power plant will influence the future role of nuclear power.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Gas power plants are the most flexible, and the privatization of the Kiisa emergency power plant has been decided. A nuclear power plant also fits into the energy policy, and if an investor and a financier are found, the regulatory framework is established, and the Riigikogu gives its consent, then a nuclear power plant will also follow.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
This is the call to the stage: Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller invites Mart Maastik to the stage.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Maastik points out that although decisions are being made regarding the acceleration of renewable energy and the special planning for offshore wind farms, we lack a concrete and well-thought-out energy policy development plan. He calls for the adoption of a competitive strategic plan that addresses conditions stemming from both climate and economic factors.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
He said that clean energy is the backbone of a clean economy, and that the energy policy is focused on strengthening the competitiveness of the Estonian economy and its businesses. He added that there is no contradiction, and these topics can be discussed in more detail during the presentation of the energy economy development plan.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Arvo Aller invites Urmas Reinsalu to take the floor.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu presented specific questions: how much the total burden on consumers and businesses will increase in 2026 due to the waste management reform; how much the impact of rising additional electricity fees will increase simultaneously (the Employers' Confederation has referenced approximately 200 million euros); what the government's vision is for implementing the motor fuels directive and how significant the resulting rise in fuel prices might be; and whether there is any information regarding the ETS2 system.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller calls on the listeners to take action, saying that their time has come.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu talked about the postponement that the government has promised.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The report points out that Kuldar Leis is managing the waste reform. Discussions concerning ETS2 are underway, and a clear agreement has not been reached. The objective is to either cancel it or at least secure a postponement, given that unanimity is necessary and member states have different positions. The effect of energy taxes remains uncertain, and a long-term solution is still under negotiation, despite Elering covering the frequency reserve until the end of this year.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Arvo Aller invited Aivar Kokk to speak.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Aivar Kokk stressed that the price of Estonian-produced electricity is determined by the fact that wind and solar parks cover only about 40% of the required capacity at maximum. As a solution, he proposed utilizing old oil shale boilers fueled by Estonian-made pellets and wood chips, which are significantly cheaper and more competitive than gas.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
This speech urges listeners to take action, saying that their time has come.
Aivar Kokk
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
The message of the communication is that the price is 40–60% cheaper.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Given that the energy price in Estonia depends on Nord Pool and a multitude of factors, and even though there have been days when Estonia was exporting electricity, we are currently utilizing oil shale plants and gas as a reserve. Therefore, it is crucial to invest more in local production capacity to ensure the energy system remains stable and to boost investor interest.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vadim Belobrovtsev is called upon to speak.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The presentation covered the topic of the Estonian nuclear power plant, raising questions about its necessity, its temporal and financial feasibility, and the possibility of cooperation with Latvia and Lithuania, considering Canada's experience.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Minister of Energy and Environment Andres Sutt said that nuclear energy is part of Estonia’s energy portfolio, and the state will proceed with the establishment of the necessary legislation and regulator. However, the nuclear power plant itself will be built by a private investor, and the investor’s decision will depend on the experience and assessment derived from the Canadian project.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
This is a brief request addressed to Anti Allas.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas emphasized that the energy sector lacks a long-term vision, which has led to major setbacks and hardship for entrepreneurs, and asked the minister when a decision would be made regarding the country's direction and electricity production, when a specific goal would be set, and when the Estonian energy sector development plan would be finalized.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Andres Sutt stated that the energy sector development plan, which is scheduled for discussion in the Riigikogu this autumn, will be approved by the end of the current year. He noted that the plan will provide a clear strategic outlook for Estonia’s energy policy and detail how the desired goals will be achieved.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Arvo Aller concluded the questions, announced the continuation of the negotiations, and opened the floor for discussions among the factions; Urmas Reinsalu will speak on behalf of the Isamaa faction, and the speaker requests three minutes of additional time.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu accuses the government of the inefficient management of the climate law and the Ministry of Climate, as well as the resulting chaos and uncertainty created for businesses, and calls for an end to this destabilizing agenda by scrapping the climate law and dismantling the ministry.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
He says it's really your time now.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
He says it's time and asks Lauri to see for himself and understand what is going on here.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman tells Urmas that exceptions cannot be made, and since we have already gone half a minute over, time is up.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
I understand, but the current document does not meet the required content quality.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar confirms twice that he understands.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu criticizes that you have been causing havoc in the energy sector over the last year or two.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar said that he understands.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Summary: You present a piece of paper that reads, "The air is clean."
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
This is unfair to the others, because we were given three minutes of extra time, and we are now 44 seconds over that.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu agrees with Lauri, asks who this is unfair to, and the microphone is switched off as he continues.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman announces that Urmas Reinsalu has exceeded his speaking time and his time is up.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
He understands the situation, says it's natural, and apologizes.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Züleyxa Izmailova, acting under the authority of the Social Democratic Party faction, requests the Riigikogu rostrum.
Züleyxa Izmailova
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Züleyxa Izmailova claims that Estonia's 2035 climate neutrality goals are merely at the level of an advertising slogan, because the actual policy is causing investments to stall, leading to the weakening of nature conservation and oversight. Furthermore, the plans involve burning wood pellets and considering nuclear energy, neither of which aligns with scientific consensus or the Paris Climate Agreement.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar requests three minutes of extra time.
Züleyxa Izmailova
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The crisis is deepening year by year, and Estonia must, taking a cue from Ukraine, take more ambitious steps in climate and nature protection, and put an end to empty rhetoric and the politics of hidden decisions. Because by 2035, Estonia deserves honesty, vision, and action, and our children deserve a future that isn't based on the economic model of the last century.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman, on behalf of the Centre Party Faction, requests that our colleague Aleksei Jevgrafov participate in the debate from the Riigikogu rostrum.
Aleksei Jevgrafov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Jevgrafov emphasizes that Estonia's energy policy must be realistic and focused on the well-being of its people, ensuring dispatchable and affordable electricity, as well as employment in Ida-Virumaa. He also calls on the government to invest in CO2 capture technologies and utilize existing expertise to achieve cheap and environmentally friendly electricity.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar briefly asks if you need extra time.
Aleksei Jevgrafov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He says he will finish it.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
He says everything is clear and asks us to stop.
Aleksei Jevgrafov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He thanks the audience and invites them to do the same.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
On behalf of the EKRE faction, Rain Epler is asked to come to the Riigikogu podium, and three minutes of additional time are being granted.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler criticized the minister's presentation for its monotony and deemed the 2030 goal of achieving 100% renewable energy sources unrealistic. At the same time, he stressed the importance of increasing controllable power capacities, utilizing oil shale, ensuring the country's energy security, reducing bureaucracy, and preserving Estonian culture and language.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar, on behalf of the Reform Party Faction, called upon colleague Yoko Alender to address the Riigikogu from the podium.
Yoko Alender
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The presentation emphasized that Estonia serves as a model for nature conservation, and supported by a long tradition, efforts are made to maintain approximately 30% of the territory as protected areas and to utilize reliable indicators to preserve the vitality of nature, the sustainability of forestry, and public satisfaction with the living environment.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar requests three minutes of additional time.
Yoko Alender
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Yoko Alender emphasized that Estonia must increase domestic value addition and sustainability in forestry, and in the energy sector, create local benefit and a diversified energy supply by integrating renewable energy storage and controllable capacities, gas power plants, and biogas. She also noted that establishing the Climate Ministry is a sensible step toward securing the future.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar confirmed that speaking time would only be granted to representatives of the factions. If a faction has already spoken under mandate, they will not be granted the floor again. Furthermore, since Rain Epler mentioned Aleksei Jevgrafov, he is entitled to a right of reply.
Aleksei Jevgrafov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Aleksei Yevgrafov claims he possesses a technology, invented by power plant workers 20 years ago, that reduces CO2 emissions and can even generate revenue, and he offers to demonstrate it to anyone interested.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanked Rain Epler, noting that his name had not been mentioned in the presentations, praised him for providing a very thorough justification, and gave him the opportunity to make a rejoinder.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler criticizes the Reform Party's plan to keep oil shale power plants operational and claims that by abandoning the obligation to purchase CO2 quotas, they would be able to enter the market at a reasonable price, electricity would be cheap, the state would not have to pay additional subsidies, and Andres Sutt should review his calculations and explain them to Yoko on paper.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Before concluding the debates, Chairman Lauri Hussar asks if the minister wishes to speak, and invites him to address the chamber from the Riigikogu rostrum.
Energeetika- ja keskkonnaminister Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Andres Sutt said that last year, renewable energy accounted for 85% of new electricity generation capacity, and 25% of cars sold worldwide were electric vehicles. He then stressed the factual accuracy: 1.6 billion is not connected to that; rather, it is tied to desynchronization, network strengthening, and other similar activities, and 30 million concerns the preservation of the oil shale energy sector.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar declares the discussions closed and considers the seventh item on today's agenda to have been addressed.