Agenda Profile: Aivar Kokk
Draft law amending the Energy Sector Organisation Act (574 SE) – First Reading
2025-04-16
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The speaker clearly adopts a critical stance on the current energy policy, opposing the subsidization of wind farms while supporting the development of dispatchable power generation. The strong position is that renewable energy should not receive state support, and the speaker favors electricity production based on oil shale and biomass. The speaker stresses the necessity of a realistic energy policy that accounts for economic realities.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Shows profound knowledge of energy economics, operating with precise figures such as the cost price of electricity (49.3–49.7 euros per megawatt-hour) and CO2 quota prices. Demonstrates expertise in electricity market mechanisms, the impact of high-voltage lines on pricing, and the LNG terminal project. Uses technical terminology and refers to specific projects like the Tootsi wind farm and Elering’s decisions.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
They employ direct and emotional rhetoric, often voicing "embarrassment" regarding their colleagues' lack of economic knowledge. They combine personal attacks with fact-based arguments, utilizing a colloquial style and irony. They provide real-life examples (such as the suggestion to live two days without electricity) and comparisons with other countries to reinforce their arguments.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speeches reference active participation in the previous composition and in government discussions, emphasizing their experience compared to current colleagues. They mention participating in debates held by the Association of Cities and Municipalities and monitoring data from the Eesti Energia website. This demonstrates a consistent and deep engagement with energy topics.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Sharp criticism of the Elering management and their decisions, especially regarding the construction of the third high-voltage line and the handling of the LNG terminal. It criticizes the Social Democrats for supporting wind farms and expresses opposition to the use of taxpayer money being directed toward "favored groups." It compares CO2 quota trading to Trump's tariff measures, implying corruption.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Mentions cooperation with Jaak as one of the few colleagues who participated in previous discussions. Recommends a constructive approach: convening former and current managers to clarify the actual prime costs. Proposes cooperation opportunities with Finland in the field of nuclear energy, demonstrating openness to international collaboration.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A specific interest in the development of Hiiumaa and its surrounding area, asking the Social Democrats about the establishment of wind farms in that region. It emphasizes the utilization of Estonia's local resources—the production and use of wood chips and pellets within the domestic energy sector, while avoiding export to other European countries.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
A strong emphasis is placed on economic rationality and entrepreneurial principles, criticizing the concept of a "zero euro cost price." It supports market-based solutions without state subsidies and stresses the importance of return on investment. It recommends cheaper alternatives, such as the 100 million euro conversion of oil shale boilers, instead of multi-billion-euro investments.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
There is not enough data.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
It focuses on amendments to the Energy Sector Organization Act, emphasizing the necessity of realistic regulations. It references decisions made in 2016–2017 concerning the termination of subsidies for wind farms by 2025 and supports legislation that encourages dispatchable electricity generation. It stresses the need for a transparent pricing policy within the energy sector.
4 Speeches Analyzed