Debate on the matter of national importance, "The Future of Estonian Energy 2035," initiated by the Estonian Reform Party parliamentary group.
Session: Fifteenth Riigikogu, third sitting, plenary session
Date: 2024-03-07 12:03
Total Speeches: 159
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 3h 40m
AI Summaries: 159/159 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) held a debate on a matter of national importance, titled "The Future of Estonian Energy 2035," initiated by the Reform Party faction. The discussion focused on Estonia's ambitious goal of achieving 100% renewable electricity by 2030, ensuring security of supply, and establishing clean energy as a competitive advantage for the economy. Climate Minister Kristen Michal presented the government's plan to conduct large-scale renewable energy tenders (a total of 8 TWh of wind energy) and emphasized that this plan is more favorable for consumers than previous alternatives, as it takes domestic consumption into account. Additionally, the necessity of developing dispatchable capacity, storage technologies, and electricity grids was addressed, especially in connection with the synchronization with Continental Europe in 2025. Experts (Priit Mändmaa and Kalle Kilk) confirmed that higher electricity consumption, particularly with the addition of energy-intensive industry, helps lower network fees and improves Estonia's position in the global energy trilemma. The debate highlighted the role of nuclear energy in the long term and the question of retaining oil shale energy as reserve capacity. The opposition criticized the government's plan primarily due to its high potential cost (subsidizing offshore wind farms) and the ambiguity surrounding the assurance of supply security, especially considering the security risks associated with external connections and submarine cables. The positive economic impact of the green transition compared to the USA was also called into question.
Decisions Made 1
Following the presiding officer's proposal, the sitting was extended until the agenda item was completed, but not past 2:00 PM. Thirty-two members of the Riigikogu voted for the motion.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was Rain Epler, a member of the Estonian Conservative People's Party faction, who asked several questions and delivered an address on behalf of the faction. Epler sharply criticized the government’s renewable energy plan, calling into question its economic rationale and the assurance of supply security. He drew attention to contradictions in the data presented by officials and experts (e.g., the cost of grid development) and stressed the need to maintain oil shale as dispatchable capacity until nuclear energy is introduced.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar announced that the discussion format for the matter of national importance, "The Future of Estonian Energy 2035," initiated by the Reform Party faction, includes four presentations (Climate Minister Kristen Michal, Priit Mändmaa, Kalle Kilk, and Andres Sutt). Each presentation will be up to 20 minutes, followed by a question round of up to 20 minutes, with a limit of two questions per Riigikogu member. The initiator of the discussion preferably requests speeches from faction representatives. If necessary, the session may be extended until 14:00 if proceedings are not concluded by 13:00, and he then invited Climate Minister Kristen Michal to deliver the first address.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Climate Minister Kristen Michal stated that Estonia is moving towards clean energy, increasing the share of renewable energy—primarily wind energy—and setting the goal that all electricity consumed by the country will come entirely from renewable sources. The plan involves using competition, storage, and long-term contracts to ensure that the interests of consumers and producers align, planning reverse auctions in 2025, the rise of onshore wind by 2029, and subsequent phases of offshore wind, all of which will guarantee economic growth, consumer stability, and export opportunities.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas announced that the listeners still have 11 minutes and 55 seconds remaining.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
The speech expressed pleasure and gratitude.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
He/She asks if this is sufficient, and if necessary, we will extend the time by mutual agreement.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Climate Minister Kristen Michal emphasizes that dispatchable capacities are critical for the balance of the energy system, and to ensure them, the Narva units are being utilized, along with potential strategic reserve or frequency reserve solutions. Furthermore, the addition of gas capacities is being planned, the possibility of nuclear energy is being discussed, and work is underway on synchronization with Continental Europe, new external connections with Finland and Latvia, potential connections with Germany, and the development of hydrogen.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas announced that the speech would last six and a half minutes, and he apologized that the technical system wasn't displaying the time.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Climate Minister Kristen Michal thanks the listeners and assures them that this doesn't show anything.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Ratas promises to provide you with information promptly.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
The presentation emphasizes that Estonia will ensure security and supply reliability, increase production capacity using key generation capacities and clean energy, synchronize with the continental European frequency area (while desynchronizing from Russia), keep electricity prices affordable, and create export opportunities. Furthermore, it invites discussion on nuclear energy, rapid production technologies, and investments, and asks whether we are finally taking action?
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas thanks the minister, announces the start of the 20-minute questions and answers session, and invites Urmas Kruuse to begin.
Urmas Kruuse
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Kruuse asked the minister about the outlook for biogas, mentioning Estonia’s potential capacity to produce up to one terawatt (currently around 0.24–0.30 TW). He also asked whether this capacity includes gas plants and covering peak demand or if it refers to dispatchable energy sources, and finally, whether Europe shares our vision for developing biogas or if we are isolated in this regard.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Climate Minister Kristen Michal stated that biogas has its place in the energy sector and its use could grow in the future, offering a smaller footprint alternative both in public transportation and in broader energy consumption, even though the debate largely centers on transport and agriculture.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Jüri Ratas invited Urve Tiidus to take the floor.
Urve Tiidus
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Urve Tiidus asked the minister to expand on the idea of increasing the share of renewable energy in Estonia and to explain who to approach and who to lobby in order to attract more consumers.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
The key factor driving the development of renewable energy is consumption growth. As the Estonian economy expands in a cleaner, export-competitive manner, it will require increased consumption. Companies can therefore explore the development opportunities available in Estonia via the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications (MKM) or Enterprise Estonia (EISA), specifically focusing on clean energy and export potential.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Jüri Ratas invited Mario Kadastik to speak.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mario Kadastik emphasized that in the future, both gas-plus-nuclear and gas-only options have been considered, and he asked what alternatives exist if the nuclear power plant is not built or is delayed, and whether biogas would ensure security of supply, given that gas might become unfavorable by 2040 due to its status as a fossil fuel.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Climate Minister Kristen Michal said that while the decision on nuclear energy is not unavoidable, a clear and timely decision regarding nuclear power is necessary, adding that the selection and construction of a plant could take 9 to 20 years. Therefore, if necessary, market developments and system operator assessments must be monitored, and alternative mechanisms must be considered. Furthermore, the Riigikogu should finally discuss this topic this session.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Jüri Ratas invites Priit Lomp to the stage.
Priit Lomp
AI Summary
Priit Lomp praises the progress made in renewable energy but questions the "magical" two to three billion euros that underpins it. He cites the Baltics as an example, noting auction prices ranging from 64 to 107 euros per megawatt-hour, and mentions Lithuania's 193 million euro Contract for Difference (CFD) for a 15-year period. He then asks whose interests this actually serves—those of oil shale enthusiasts, nostalgics, or roundwood burners.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Climate Minister Kristen Michal affirmed that the plan is a collaborative effort, and the objective is to boost renewable energy and guarantee lower electricity prices for people and businesses, regardless of the various figures and how they are interpreted.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Jüri Ratas asks Jaak Aab to step forward.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab asked the minister how, in the context of the 100% renewable energy target planned for 2030, the development of electricity grids and the impact of the network tariff on consumers and businesses should be assessed. He specifically inquired how much additional grid capacity would be needed (approximately 2,500 MW compared to the current roughly 3,000 MW) and what the potential size of that tariff might be.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Climate Minister Kristen Michal said that it is necessary to invest in the networks and make them more weatherproof for maintaining connections in both distribution and transmission networks. He added that although the expenditure intended for the introduction of renewable energy is, according to Kasemets, about 360 million, this amount is not significantly large compared to the costs of the remaining developments and networks.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Jüri Ratas invites Kristina Šmigun-Vähi to the stage.
Kristina Šmigun-Vähi
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Kristina Šmigun-Vähi said that Estonian people pay more for electricity than the Nordic countries because the Nordic countries invested in renewable energy at the right time, and neighboring Finland recently completed a nuclear power plant. Although creating electricity generation solutions itself takes years, a faster and cheaper solution would be to allow small entrepreneurs originating outside Estonia to produce electricity for the needs of their own village.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
She/He emphasizes that women can also have golden hands, and we shouldn't assume that only men possess that skill.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Ratas complimented you on saying that correctly.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Climate Minister Kristen Michal stated that distributed renewable energy is expanding in Estonia—for instance, installing solar panels on residential properties is profitable—and the establishment of new renewable energy parks is permitted based on public interest, provided it benefits the local community and consumers.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas invites Rene Kokk to take the floor.
AI Summary
Rene Kokk raised questions regarding the Ministry of Climate's plan for nuclear energy in Estonia: specifically, when it could realistically come online, when the Riigikogu can begin debating the viability of nuclear energy, and whether and how the use of oil shale reserves for energy production will be maintained and guaranteed for as long as needed.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
The presentation outlines two options for storing reserves—the Eesti Energia or the Lithuanian variant—and stresses that nuclear energy could only be established in Estonia following a thorough, knowledge-based debate and preparation. This would take, in the best-case scenario, 9–11 years from the decision, or in the worst case, 10–20 years, after which it could sell its output to the regional grid. The entire discussion must be knowledge-based and free of emotion.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The Vice-Chair invited Margit Sutrop to speak.
Margit Sutrop
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Margit Sutrop presents the central problem in the context of the transition to renewable energy—how to stabilize the flows of wind and solar energy so that they do not cause problems in the transmission networks and ensure energy availability during crises—as well as how far storage technologies have developed and what the security considerations are.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Climate Minister Kristen Michal said that energy storage solutions are developing in Estonia, including Evecon together with Corsica Sole and Energiasalv, as well as hydrogen storage, which balance the price and open up new opportunities for the market. However, covering critical or longer-term needs also requires dispatchable capacity, and every technology has its place.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas asks Anti Allas to quickly pose a question and provide a quick answer.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas thanks the government for making far-reaching decisions and asks what factors determine the timing of announcing the lowest-bid tender, how to ensure the most affordable outcome possible for the consumer, and what additional information and prior decisions are required for this.
Kliimaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
To put it briefly, the pace largely depends on the progress of the European Commission's state aid procedure. We must also discuss the domestic option—because the alternative would be to proceed on a smaller scale and not take domestic consumption into account—and the subsequent speed depends on communication with the Commission, how accurately and quickly we can define domestic consumption, and the level of technical preparation.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas thanked the Minister for the report and the answers, and then invited Priit Mändmaa, the Secretary-General of the Estonian National Committee of the World Energy Council, to the Riigikogu podium as a presenter, granting him 20 minutes for his address.
Maailma Energeetikanõukogu Eesti Rahvuskomitee peasekretär Priit Mändmaa
AI Summary
Priit Mändmaa stressed that the Estonian energy sector, while focusing on the consumption side, must ensure a balance between three key indicators—security of supply, affordability, and environmental sustainability—in order for the economy to remain stable and the standard of living to stay high.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker of the Riigikogu Jüri Ratas welcomed the Speaker of the Armenian Parliament, Mr. Alen Simonyan, and extended a welcome to him at the Riigikogu.
Maailma Energeetikanõukogu Eesti Rahvuskomitee peasekretär Priit Mändmaa
AI Summary
He greets the audience and continues his speech.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The speech states that there has been waving and greeting, and now we move forward.
Maailma Energeetikanõukogu Eesti Rahvuskomitee peasekretär Priit Mändmaa
AI Summary
Priit Mändmaa stated that Estonia secured 9th place in the trilemma study, reflecting improvements in security of supply, affordability, and environmental sustainability. Although the 2023 report was delayed due to the World Energy Congress, the objective remains ensuring grid quality and competitiveness, and attracting high-tech, energy-intensive industry that provides added value to the country.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
He answered briefly in the affirmative and said, "Of course. Please!"
Maailma Energeetikanõukogu Eesti Rahvuskomitee peasekretär Priit Mändmaa
AI Summary
Overall, the speech argues that in ten years we could have 100,000 electric vehicles, and the energy consumption required by these, combined with the needs of the wood valorization plant and data centers, necessitates a societal consensus. In this consensus, the average consumer contributes to creating a competitive environment so that businesses can grow, more jobs are created, and the standard of living improves, while ensuring the energy system is sustainable and adheres to the principles of the energy trilemma.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Jüri Ratas thanked the presenter, announced that the round of questions and answers would last up to 20 minutes, and called upon Urmas Kruuse.
Urmas Kruuse
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Russia’s aggression in Ukraine has forced a fundamental overhaul of energy policy across Europe. Countries are now focused on risk mitigation, questioning whether we might be investing excessively in energy production, and whether institutions exist to identify or neutralize these risks.
Maailma Energeetikanõukogu Eesti Rahvuskomitee peasekretär Priit Mändmaa
AI Summary
Roughly three-quarters of the investments needed globally to achieve climate neutrality are currently lacking. Consequently, an oversupply of renewable energy is unlikely in the near future. While risks might emerge after 2050, and hydropower is becoming more complicated due to falling water levels, it is crucial that wind farms and other renewable energy solutions offer competitive pricing and support energy demand.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Jüri Ratas invites Igor Taro to the stage.
Igor Taro
AI Summary
He asked whether the growth of the economy and prosperity could be separated from the growth in energy consumption.
Maailma Energeetikanõukogu Eesti Rahvuskomitee peasekretär Priit Mändmaa
AI Summary
He/She explains that historically, economic growth and energy consumption have gone hand in hand. While energy efficiency represents a crucial turning point that could shift this trajectory, the overall understanding remains that wealth and energy consumption are closely linked.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The governor of the Belgian central bank stated in February that the green transition will neither make us wealthier nor boost Europe’s GDP or create millions of well-paid jobs. Furthermore, the taxation of carbon emissions and the cost of green energy sources will make European energy prices five to eight times higher than in the US.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas invites Lauri Laats to the stage.
Maailma Energeetikanõukogu Eesti Rahvuskomitee peasekretär Priit Mändmaa
AI Summary
Priit Mändmaa emphasizes that an alternative must be found, and the path toward climate neutrality will bring changes that need to be implemented in a balanced manner and while protecting the interests of businesses, because the impacts of climate change are already being felt, and therefore action is necessary.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas called upon Yoko Alender to speak.
Yoko Alender
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Yoko Alender emphasized the importance of the link between prosperity and energy-intensive companies, expressing the wish that this message would resonate widely within society. She also asked why everyone should understand and contribute to this, whether increased consumption might affect the unit price of an electricity bill, and how that relationship actually functions.
Maailma Energeetikanõukogu Eesti Rahvuskomitee peasekretär Priit Mändmaa
AI Summary
To cover the fixed costs of the dispersed distribution network and reduce the grid tariff, the volume of electricity consumption must be increased, and a public consensus must be reached on whether consumers are willing to pay a higher unit price to boost competitiveness and the standard of living.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Urve Tiidus is invited to the stage at the beginning of the address.
Urve Tiidus
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Urve Tiidus thanked the director and Priit Mändmaa and asked them to provide a few good examples of the World Energy Council's work, emphasizing the organization's 101 years of operation, the abundance of data, and the importance of cross-country comparisons.
Maailma Energeetikanõukogu Eesti Rahvuskomitee peasekretär Priit Mändmaa
AI Summary
Information exchange and collaboration have historically resolved numerous issues, and the World Energy Council has managed to maintain an apolitical stance, pooling and sharing best practices, and ensuring the operation of energy systems even during challenging times. Today, this facilitates discussion among policymakers, businesses, NGOs, and activists, ensuring that by learning from one another and sharing best practices, the goal of climate neutrality can be achieved more easily and quickly.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The speaker invited Annely Akkermann to the stage.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Annely Akkermann asked two questions: What are the future trends for energy markets—specifically those based on market freedom versus those dependent on state subsidies—and will distributed generation and households' own electricity production continue to develop alongside the expensive grid, even as large-scale production methods move increasingly closer (or converge)?
Maailma Energeetikanõukogu Eesti Rahvuskomitee peasekretär Priit Mändmaa
AI Summary
Priit Mändmaa said that achieving climate neutrality requires engaging consumers and increasing energy literacy, as well as encouraging household investments in energy production and storage, because the growing number of electric vehicles and the deployment of their battery banks on the roads could create significant storage capacity.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas invites Rain Epler to take the floor.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler criticizes the idea that factories should be established in locations with a sufficient and weather-independent electricity supply, and that energy should then be produced for offshore wind farms—he calls this backward thinking.
Maailma Energeetikanõukogu Eesti Rahvuskomitee peasekretär Priit Mändmaa
AI Summary
According to Priit Mändmaa, these things should move in parallel, or perhaps production could lead and consumption follow. When they converge, that's better, but it requires exceptionally strong negotiation skills, highlighting the nation's capacity, and trust.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The speech is simply a request to Anti Poolamets.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets emphasizes that while the ideas behind renewable energy are appealing, the current fluctuations in solar and wind power cannot be sustained without stable backup, extensive storage technology, and massive investment. He then questions how costly this will ultimately prove to be, and whether we will be forced to build the Paldiski reservoir or end up living surrounded by solar panels on the outskirts of our villages.
Maailma Energeetikanõukogu Eesti Rahvuskomitee peasekretär Priit Mändmaa
AI Summary
The core message of the presentation was the emphasis on the consumption perspective, but we are just at the start of this journey. The Nordic region has 53,000 MW of hydro capacity that hydro facilities can use for storage, and with a long-term view and market changes, this capacity could become genuinely dispatchable energy.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas invites Mario Kadastik to speak.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He asks which of the three energy components—price, security of supply, and environmental sustainability—is most likely to improve Estonia's position in the energy trilemma if price is the lowest priority, and whether that improvement would stem mainly from environmental sustainability or from elsewhere, referencing the security of supply findings of the National Audit Office's audit.
Maailma Energeetikanõukogu Eesti Rahvuskomitee peasekretär Priit Mändmaa
AI Summary
He pointed out that the results are dynamic and take into account developments in other countries as well. Furthermore, the final value is not fixed at 105; instead, it changes based on the results of the entire sample. If there are 127 countries, the best result is determined based on the outcomes from all of them.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Jüri Ratas welcomed Mait Klaassen and requested a brief question and a quick answer.
Mait Klaassen
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He/She is requesting an overview of whether there are any other forested Nordic regions where power lines have not been placed underground (or cabled) to prevent outages, given that consumers demand a 24/7 energy supply.
Maailma Energeetikanõukogu Eesti Rahvuskomitee peasekretär Priit Mändmaa
AI Summary
He emphasizes that while he doesn't have a specific answer, it is reasonable to expect flexibility from someone who has moved far from the center, given the high costs of network investments; otherwise, those costs must be covered.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The Chair thanks the speaker for the presentation and the answers, and now invites Kalle Kilk, Chairman of the Management Board of Elering AS, to the Riigikogu rostrum for his address, for which up to 20 minutes are allotted for the presentation and the subsequent questions and answers.
Elering AS-i juhatuse esimees Kalle Kilk
AI Summary
In the presentation, Kalle Kilk stressed that Estonia's security of supply requires a larger, better-connected electricity grid with Europe, which would enable exports and, crucially, imports during critical periods. To achieve this, he stated that it is necessary to rapidly construct Estlink 3 and the fourth Estonia-Latvia interconnection, boost local wind and solar generation, and implement a three-step security of supply model that integrates its own cost-effective power plants, external interconnections, and reserve generation units.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Jüri Ratas thanks the rapporteur, announces a 20-minute questions-and-answers session, and invites Urmas Kruuse back to the floor, noting that he has been the first speaker on all three occasions.
Urmas Kruuse
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Kruuse stressed that gas-fired power plants are mobile assets crucial for the system, essential for managing peak demand and guaranteeing security of supply. However, he noted that gas as an asset is not highly favorable in the long term. If renewable energy expands and gas plants operate only minimally throughout the year, it raises questions about the priority given to climate and security concerns, and whether rising gas prices might overshadow these effects.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The questioner's time is now.
Elering AS-i juhatuse esimees Kalle Kilk
AI Summary
Kalle Kilk stated that even though fossil gas is diminishing, gas power plants are future-proof because they are suitable for using biogas and even hydrogen, and they can be cheaply converted, as demonstrated by the Kiisa 250 MW plant.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas invites Rain Epler to speak.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler brought up the issue of the fourth Estonia-Latvia connection, pointing out the discrepancy between the 500 MW capacity mentioned on the slides and the 1000 MW discussed in the Economic Affairs Committee. He also inquired about the meaning of the name and whether Elering plans to fund the connection, either partially or fully, using the congestion charges that the company earns daily.
Elering AS-i juhatuse esimees Kalle Kilk
AI Summary
Kalle Kilk, Chairman of the Board, explains that on alternating current grids, the total capacity is not simply determined by the sum of the lines; rather, the actual capacity depends on the thermal rating and ancillary loads. Therefore, congestion payments are intended for the market, and the sum collected during 2033–2034 should cover 50% of the investment for Estlink 3 and the fourth Estonia-Latvia line. The remainder is expected to be secured from the European Union.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas called upon Mario Kadastik to speak.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Discussions revolve around Estlink 2, which has been offline for an extended period. The question is raised whether local competence could be developed to repair it, ensuring supply reliability. Furthermore, they inquire whether forecasts and models have been developed for scenarios where nuclear power and the plans for Ida-Virumaa would decrease the required volume of grid investments.
Elering AS-i juhatuse esimees Kalle Kilk
AI Summary
Chairman of the Board Kalle Kilk said that to ensure the security of supply, it is necessary to reduce dependence on a single element, improve the readiness of cable repair teams, and increase the role of separate external connections and on-site electricity generation. He also noted that, according to studies, nuclear power plant locations in Estonia are feasible.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas invites Urve Tiidus to take the floor.
Urve Tiidus
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Urve Tiidus discusses the prospective development of the electricity grid, specifically drawing attention to the West Estonian and islands region for 2035 and beyond. She asks about the progress of preparations, the level of investment interest, and the investors.
Elering AS-i juhatuse esimees Kalle Kilk
AI Summary
Offshore wind farm development is still in its infancy, but we can see potential wind areas on the maps and adjust our plans accordingly. Furthermore, an interested party will soon join, although we don't yet have information regarding the precise business plan.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas calls upon Martin Helme.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme points out that Estonia is an area of production deficit, meaning we must fear higher prices. He criticizes the deliberate dismantling of Narva’s production capacity without securing immediate replacement capacity, while simultaneously asserting that the so-called ‘Latvia direction’ is actually the Sõrve direction intended for connecting the Gulf of Riga offshore wind farms. He then questions why the Finland direction could not be prioritized.
Elering AS-i juhatuse esimees Kalle Kilk
AI Summary
Considering the timeline, we must realize that both interconnectors will only be completed in about ten years. Furthermore, taking into account the current situation and the 40-to-50-year lifespan of the assets, it is sensible to establish mechanisms that can secure the market for this future electricity generation.
Meelis Kiili
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Meelis Kiili stated that the efficiency of large electricity grids stems from a functioning market and interconnections, but we must take into account that the eastern neighbor is relatively aggressive and has developed capabilities for attacking subsea cables. The question was then raised: what is our Plan B if none of the subsea cables are operational?
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Meelis Kiil is mentioned in the speech.
Elering AS-i juhatuse esimees Kalle Kilk
AI Summary
If the submarine cable fails, we must be able to cope even today, because peak consumption in the Baltics is about 5,000 MW, and we have roughly the same amount of generation capacity. Our plan involves increasing baseload energy and strengthening export capabilities so that risks are diversified.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Speaker Lauri Hussar invites Annely Akkermann to speak.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The report addresses the energy union and planned investments aimed at integrating EU energy markets more closely. It asks whether the energy generated from Estonia’s abundant wind resources will reach those who need it most, and how the costs associated with transmission lines and production are ultimately borne by consumers.
Elering AS-i juhatuse esimees Kalle Kilk
AI Summary
Kalle Kilk stated that the European energy system requires robust electricity grids, and in the future, a hydrogen network to distribute resources across the entire continent. Furthermore, he noted that it is crucial for Estonia that the construction and financing of these connections do not raise consumer payments, and that the involvement of small countries, such as the Baltic states and others, leads to fairly allocated responsibilities.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman invites Lauri Laats to speak.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats thanked the chairman of the session and the presenter and asked a question regarding how much additional capacity would cost the grid to handle a 3000 MW production surge (the need for which is about 2500 MW), what exactly would need to be done to the transmission and distribution lines, and what the five-year budget would be without external connections, especially considering that the slides show that onshore wind and solar, combined with external interconnectors, offer the most favorable price, offshore wind farms are politically encouraged, and a nuclear power plant is a topic that is not being addressed—how all these elements would fit together coherently.
Elering AS-i juhatuse esimees Kalle Kilk
AI Summary
Kalle Kilk said that the fossil system does not have a significant cost advantage compared to a renewable energy-based system, because renewable energy is almost free, but the impact of investments over 40 years remains about 5–10%. Offshore wind farms are delayed in the state's plans, and approximately 2500 MW and about 300 million euros have been planned for strengthening the grid, which will be covered partly by consumers and partly by connecting parties, and as an addition to the consumer tariff, this would be about 10–12% of today's network fee.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chair thanks the presenter and announces the close of the question-and-answer session. He then invites Andres Sutt, a member of the Reform Party faction, to deliver a presentation of up to 20 minutes, followed by a period for questions, also lasting up to 20 minutes.
Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Clean energy is a competitive advantage for the Estonian economy because developing the renewable energy and hydrogen ecosystem boosts economic growth and job creation, ensures stable energy prices, and reduces reliance on imported energy, all while helping the country achieve its 100% renewable energy target by 2030.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chair calls for a vote to extend today's sitting until the agenda item is concluded, provided the debate has not finished by 1 p.m., but in any case, no later than 2 p.m.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The motion received 32 votes in favor, with none opposed and one abstention; the sitting was extended until the agenda item was exhausted. The floor of the Riigikogu was then returned to Andres Sutt, a member of the Reform Party faction. This was followed by question-and-answer rounds lasting up to 20 minutes, with colleague Yoko Alender being the first to be granted the right to ask a question.
Yoko Alender
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He/She thanks the esteemed Chairman and, as a good colleague, notes that he/she has extensive experience in the field of finance, including time served as the Minister of Foreign Trade and IT. He/She then asks how to attract desirable companies representing new industries to Estonia, and whether he/she should share observations based on that long experience.
Andres Sutt
AI Summary
A good salesperson isn't sitting in the office; they are out meeting clients. If we all adopt a strong sales strategy and clearly document it, we can attract investments here, such as data centers. Furthermore, everyone needs to contribute to marketing the Estonian state, because clean energy is an extremely powerful selling point.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asks Riina Solman to come forward.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman asks about the supply security and cost-effectiveness of offshore wind farms, how potential disruptions and security threats to subsea cables affect the situation, why the state has to pay, and whether the Reform Party's market economy plan is justified in this instance, noting that the taxpayer would hand over 2 billion [euros] to a single offshore wind developer. She concludes by asking whether you support nuclear energy as a controllable capacity, the switching on and off of which is not done simply by pressing a button.
Andres Sutt
AI Summary
The focus of the presentation was supply security and undersea cables: the more cables and the better secured the Baltic Sea is, the smaller the risks are. Existing production capacity is sufficient for both offshore and onshore wind farms. Investments are necessary. The third topic is nuclear energy, which requires an open discussion and for which a support mechanism must be found—be it a CFD (Contract for Difference), high energy-intensive consumers, or compensation related to grid developments—because without it, it is not possible.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar calls on Rain Epler.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler noted that LCOE differs from EROI and FCOE, and the reasons for this lie in administrative and political decisions. Consequently, he has focused his attention on the topics of the full cost of energy and energy return on energy invested, and he intends to continue working on these issues in the future.
Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Andres Sutt explains that LCOE (Levelized Cost of Energy) takes into account the capital cost as the price level at which the investment is worthwhile for the investor. Technological development and growth in volumes, especially in the case of solar energy, have made the unit price competitively cheap. However, the rise in the cost of money has increased the LCOE, and if the cost of money were to fall once inflation is brought under control, electricity could become even more affordable. The design of the CFD (Contract for Difference), along with possibilities for indexing interest rates, is important in resolving this issue.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman called upon Mario Kadastik to speak.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He spoke about the future energy mix, which would ensure baseload reliability for the stable consumption of data centers and large industrial parks, and would utilize the widest possible variety of components, because wind and solar are unreliable in winter, and a single nuclear power plant would significantly improve the likelihood of investment.
Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Andres Sutt emphasizes that having a wide range of options is crucial, and the debate surrounding nuclear energy must take place. However, based on current LCOEs, nuclear power is more expensive than wind or solar, and the investor's question is how the figures will ultimately add up.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar calls on Anti Poolamets to speak.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets highlighted that industrial energy prices in the US are several times lower than in Europe, which poses a threat to the competitiveness of European industry.
Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Andres Sutt argues that the biggest obstacle to European competitiveness is a lack of self-confidence and ambition, and once we develop sufficient production capacity, the price of electricity will be competitive and we will not have to rely on subsidies — therefore, the glass is half full.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Hussar calls upon Rain Epler.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler highlighted the inconsistency between subsidizing American electricity prices and subsidizing wind energy. He then referenced a previous claim that nuclear power is currently more expensive than wind, reviewed the examples of France and Germany, and questioned the basis for this assertion regarding nuclear energy.
Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Andres Sutt stated that based on Lazard’s LCOE calculations, nuclear energy is currently more expensive than solar or wind, and electricity prices must be compared within context — if most of the economy relies on long-term purchase and sale agreements, then exchange prices are completely irrelevant — and the context of each country must be viewed separately; for example, Germany is expensive precisely due to the lack of production capacity.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Hussar invites Lauri Laats to speak.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats emphasizes the importance of competitiveness and compares electricity prices in Europe and the USA, noting that US electricity is cheaper. Furthermore, the statement by the head of the Belgian central bank regarding the green transition—that it won't make us richer—prompts the question of how our competitiveness will be maintained if electricity prices are rising here while they are falling in the USA.
Andres Sutt
AI Summary
Andres Sutt states that the future is difficult to predict, but he shares the analysts' view that investing in renewable energy boosts competitiveness and solves the planet's problems. And while you cannot turn back the clock or make water flow backward, technological changes are moving toward clean energy, and crucial decisions have already been made—the only question is how quickly it will be widely adopted.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Following the rapporteur's presentation, the discussions are opened, and it is announced that faction representatives will speak first, the first of whom is Riina Solman from the Isamaa faction.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman emphasized that the solution for the Estonian energy system must be a comprehensive one, ensuring reliable and affordable electricity for homes and businesses at all times. She also criticized the government's steps in cutting investments in rural areas and regarding offshore wind subsidies and grid investments, highlighting the need to improve security of supply and boost the competitiveness of rural regions.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar requested three additional minutes.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman emphasizes that Estonia's energy security and economy require a balanced, diverse, and affordable energy policy focused on local interests. This policy must value existing oil shale energy and other resources, and prioritize a competitive, environmentally sustainable, and secure energy supply.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar said there were still 20 seconds left.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
I still hope that today’s discussion has brought us close to defining the cornerstones that would ensure security of supply, a predictable and affordable price, the prioritization of the market economy over subsidies, and investment certainty for boosting the economy. Once these principles are established, we can move forward with a meaningful debate on putting together the energy package, because prioritizing only offshore wind farms does not constitute a balanced energy policy.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
At the end of the speech, it was announced that time was up, and the audience was thanked.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman thanks all the listeners very much.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Speaker thanked the colleague, noted that there were three additional minutes and that those three minutes had been put to good use, and then invited Rain Epler to the Riigikogu rostrum on behalf of the EKRE faction.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler emphasizes that Estonia's competitiveness hinges on a sufficient and stable energy supply, and investments will only materialize if the state and politicians shape energy policy and regulations to be conducive to investment, rather than simply obstructing them with bureaucracy and empty slogans.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Speaker Lauri Hussar announced three minutes of additional time.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler claims that Estonia’s plan to end oil shale-based electricity production by 2030 is unrealistic and pure nonsense. He highlights the costs of grid developments and the contradictions in Elering’s decisions, emphasizing that dispatchable capacity must be secured using oil shale before nuclear energy is deployed.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanked the members, noted the proposal that the representatives of the factions should speak first, and invited Yoko Alender to the Riigikogu rostrum to speak on behalf of the Reform Party faction.
Yoko Alender
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Yoko Alender emphasized that fighting climate change is both economically beneficial and damage-mitigating, and that energy security, the digital state, and productivity growth are at the core of the policy, which must be ambitiously steered through accelerating the green transition and valuing local resources.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar requests three minutes of additional time.
Yoko Alender
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
This speech highlights greater production capacity, clean energy, and higher wages, which grant us more freedom to make our own decisions, emphasizing that freedom is paramount for Estonians. It stresses that Europe’s objective is to ensure security of supply, affordability, and clean energy, develop networks and production, and end dependence on third countries. Meanwhile, the growth of renewable energy provides examples based on which the Riigikogu must, in the next phase, adopt bills supporting renewable energy production capacity, investigate biogas and hydrogen potential in gas plants, assess the role of energy companies and smart consumption management, and leave the path open for developing the legal framework for nuclear energy, all so that the people of Estonia may be free.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks [the previous speaker] and announces that Igor Taro, the representative of the Eesti 200 faction, is stepping up to the Riigikogu rostrum and requests three minutes of additional time.
Igor Taro
AI Summary
Igor Taro stated that the goal of Eesti 200 is to draft a long-term energy plan that would ensure the provision of clean, stable, and affordably priced electricity by 2035, increase the share of renewable energy, while keeping open the option of adopting nuclear energy and other alternatives, and avoiding unreasonable subsidies that burden the taxpayer.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Speaker thanks the audience and invites Lauri Laats to the Riigikogu podium to speak on behalf of the Centre Faction.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats emphasizes that although the Paris climate neutrality agreement is necessary, and the green transition may increase energy prices and reduce competitiveness, Estonia must prioritize maximizing the development of onshore solar and wind energy, reducing bureaucracy, and continuing the development of offshore and onshore capacities in order to achieve the agreement's goals and realize the benefits.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Speaker Lauri Hussar requests three minutes of extra time.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats stressed that the honest answer is that investments in new green energy are substantial, and the price of electricity will not decrease in the coming years. Consequently, it is necessary to accelerate the creation of cross-border connections and the development of domestic capacity, and to consider alternatives such as gas turbines and hydrogen. Furthermore, the discussion regarding nuclear energy and national support mechanisms remains ongoing.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar, on behalf of the Social Democratic Party faction, invited Jevgeni Ossinovski to the podium, and Ossinovski requested three minutes of additional time.
Jevgeni Ossinovski
AI Summary
Jevgeni Ossinovski stated that the Social Democrats support the government’s plan to transition the Estonian energy system to 100% renewable sources. He emphasized that critics’ viewpoints must be considered, and that green hydrogen, biogas, and energy storage should be utilized in the future. Furthermore, he called for the rapid launch of reverse auctions to guarantee affordable, environmentally friendly, and secure electricity supply for the public.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
At the beginning of the address, thanks are expressed, and next up is colleague Martin Helme, who requests three minutes of extra time.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme claims that the climate crisis does not exist and that CO2 is not a poison, and that the societal agreement for consumers to pay more is a grandiose Goebbelsian lie and a wealth redistribution scheme that must not be supported.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Speaker thanked [them] and invited his colleague, Mario Kadastik, to the Riigikogu rostrum.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kadastik emphasized the need for a clear, long-term energy strategy and investment certainty, which would integrate short-, medium-, and long-term plans and take into account the consideration of renewables, storage, and nuclear energy. Furthermore, a debate on the feasibility of nuclear energy must be opened in the Riigikogu to keep options open and prevent delays in decision-making.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar requested three minutes of extra time.
Mario Kadastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He/She emphasizes that concrete discussions must be held in the near future regarding energy policy. These discussions must take a big-picture view of various opinions and the impact of wind on the grid, maintain a diverse energy mix, and draw up a long-term plan of at least 30 years, including a schedule for major industrial investments.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar declared the discussions concluded, noting that today's debate had ended and the agenda was exhausted, and wished all colleagues fruitful meetings with their constituents and to reconvene next week.