Session Profile: Andres Metsoja

The speaker strongly opposes the government’s 100% renewable energy target, considering it strategically flawed and the resulting sequence of actions unsuccessful. Key issues include the systemic approach to energy planning, the requirement for integrated environmental permits for large renewable energy parks, and the fair treatment of local residents. The political framework is deeply rooted in policy and values, stressing the state's duty to provide citizens with security and certainty. The speaker sharply criticizes the current "problem of mismanagement" and the accelerated pace of planning at the cost of systemic integrity.

The speaker demonstrates a profound understanding of energy planning processes, environmental impact assessment, and the implementation of the European Union's Industrial Emissions Directive. Specific terminology is employed, such as integrated environmental permit, wind curtailment, infrasound, zero subsidies, and network charge. This expertise is further evidenced by the deep dive into the specifics of concrete examples (Sopi-Tootsi, Lavassaare) and legal acts (the Building Code), comparing renewable energy with other industrial sectors (such as dairy farms and combustion equipment).

The style is sharp, critical, and at times emotional, employing strong expressions such as "planning labyrinth," "we are driving the entire Estonian population mad," and "total schizophrenia." The speaker balances logical arguments (regulatory gaps) with appeals to justice and community protection, using personal examples (noise 10 km away from their country home). The overall tone is concerned and accusatory, emphasizing the state's detachment and lack of partnership.

The speaker referenced a recent field trip (yesterday they visited the Sopi-Tootsi wind farm), which demonstrates an active effort to familiarize themselves with local issues. They also mentioned their participation in the committee's work concerning the duration of environmental permits. Furthermore, the speaker is actively present in the Riigikogu (Parliament) hall, addressing current and often heated topics related to legislation and the local living environment.

The primary criticism is aimed at the actions of the state and the government, which are characterized as an unsystematic, unequal, and distant partnership with local municipalities and residents. Developers are criticized for opposing the bureaucracy that would otherwise guarantee residents a sense of security. The criticism is primarily procedural and political, accusing the state of abandoning communities to face large-scale developers alone.

The speaker thanked the initiators of the first bill and is presenting the Isamaa faction’s initiative to amend the Industrial Emissions Act. The focus of cooperation is directed toward enhancing the partnership between the state and local communities, requiring the government to take greater responsibility and act as a stronger partner in industrial development. While there is no direct mention of broad, cross-party collaboration, the issue is framed as being of significant public importance.

The focus is strongly regional, concentrating on the impacts of energy projects in the Pärnumaa region (Sopi-Tootsi, Lavassaare, Häädemeeste, Tõstamaa) and the Gulf of Riga area. Emphasis is placed on protecting the living environment of rural residents, and state decisions affecting local areas are criticized (e.g., the Lavassaare bog restoration program). The choice of location for the development of the Tõstamaa defense industry park is also mentioned.

The speaker supports economic growth driven by affordable energy, stressing that renewable energy should serve as a key input or impetus for the economy. They advocate for regulatory measures (such as reducing grid fees and implementing direct contracts) to ensure that local communities derive direct economic benefits from energy production. Criticism is leveled against the construction of wind farms that defy market logic, as well as idle wind turbines that fail to deliver value to local residents.

The primary social issue revolves around protecting the living environment of rural residents, ensuring their sense of security, and guaranteeing their inclusion in the planning of industrial projects. The speaker criticized the SALK study, which suggested that rural residents were poorly informed and lacked education, dismissing the findings as an attempt to manipulate or co-opt the populace. It was emphasized that the intrusion of industry fundamentally alters people's way of life and generates significant uncertainty.

The primary legislative focus is the amendment of the Industrial Emissions Act to subject large-scale renewable energy parks to the integrated environmental permit procedure. The speaker is the proponent and supporter of this initiative, seeing it as a mechanism for ensuring systematicity, transparency, and the protection of residents. Furthermore, support is being given to draft legislation concerning the disclosure and regulation of the impact zones of wind farms.