Session Profile: Yoko Alender
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
2025-05-07
Political Position
The political focus is strongly on energy security and independence, emphasizing successful synchronization with Continental Europe as a crucial step. The speaker strongly supports the bill that accelerates the development of storage capacities and keeps oil shale power plants in reserve to ensure security of supply and an affordable price. The positions are strongly policy- and results-based, emphasizing achievements and necessary investments.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the energy sector, thoroughly addressing the frequency reserves market, the costs associated with grid reinforcement, and the development of storage capacity (a 200 MW battery park). Specific figures (1.6 billion euros, 1 cent/kWh) and technical terminology, such as "frequency band" and "island operation," are employed. This expertise further extends to correcting factual inaccuracies concerning international treaties, specifically the Paris Climate Agreement.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is confident, optimistic, and data-driven, emphasizing the positive nature of achievements ("ultra-positive"). The speaker begins by refuting the opponents' false claims, but then proceeds to present logical arguments and specific costs (e.g., 13 euros per year). The tone is formal and focuses on facts rather than emotional appeals.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the plenary session ahead of the final vote on the draft bill, citing ongoing negotiations with market participants aimed at establishing a methodology for frequency reserves. Reference is also made to previous joint efforts in carrying out synchronization, and an extension is requested for a comprehensive review of the subject.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is directed at the Deputy Chairman of the Economic Committee for providing false information (false claims) and at the Isamaa party for opposing the island operation bill. The criticism of Isamaa is policy-based, given that their opposition would cause peak load prices to triple. The speaker recommends that Isamaa rethink its position.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes international cooperation (Latvia, Lithuania, Poland) and the joint synchronization effort, which began in Europe 15 years ago. Furthermore, the former chairman of the Economic Affairs Committee, Jaak Aab, is recognized for his insightful speech, demonstrating a willingness to acknowledge good work across party lines.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is on energy security and strengthening networks across the Baltic states and Poland. Domestically, Ida-Virumaa is mentioned in relation to the historical environmental impact of oil shale power generation and the health of local residents. The completion of Continental Europe's largest battery park in Estonia is also noted.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic arguments support major strategic infrastructure investments (1.6 billion euros) aimed at ensuring energy security. The objective is to keep electricity prices affordable by maximizing the use of cheap renewable energy through storage capacity. The costs imposed on consumers (13 euros annually) are justified by guaranteeing the reliability of the energy supply.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Regarding social issues, the health of Ida-Viru County residents and the environmental impact related to historical oil shale electricity production are addressed. The speaker emphasizes that the future direction must be cleaner in order to protect the local population.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative priority is the ongoing bill addressing the frequency reserves market, accelerating the development of energy storage capacity, and incorporating oil shale power plants into the reserve system. The speaker is a strong proponent of the bill (the Reform Party supports it) and is pleased that it has reached the final vote.
2 Speeches Analyzed