Agenda Profile: Evelin Poolamets
First reading of the draft resolution of the Riigikogu "Organizing a referendum on the question of electricity production from oil shale" (581 OE)
2025-05-13
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the current Green Transition course, which is viewed as being based on hope rather than knowledge and is deemed economically damaging ("red"). The speaker firmly supports securing energy independence through domestic oil shale production, advocating for the construction of a new, more environmentally friendly power plant in Narva utilizing fluidized bed technology. The focus is on economic growth and the nation's energy independence, which will be achieved through low electricity prices comparable to those in Finland.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the energy sector, thoroughly addressing the costs and instability of renewable energy support systems (up to 200 million euros annually required for balancing). Specific terminology is employed (e.g., fluidized bed technology, CO2 emissions, biomass co-firing), and references are made to the standpoints of Tallinn University of Technology Professor Alar Konist and Eesti Energia CEO Andrus Durejko. Particular emphasis is placed on oil shale ash as a valuable raw material within the circular economy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is insistent and combative, sharply criticizing the current energy policy and labeling it "wind propaganda." The appeals are primarily logical and economic, stressing costs, energy security, and fair competition. Strong judgments are employed, describing the current policy as "in the red, negative in terms of economics and negative in terms of logic," and urging a return to "truth and knowledge."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participated in the first reading of Riigikogu draft legislation (581 OE), presenting both a question to the rapporteur and a longer substantive address. Reference was made to an earlier news report, broadcast by the National Broadcasting on February 28, which indicates that media sources are being monitored.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is aimed at the government's green transition policy and the politicians who support it, who are accused of maintaining an economically illogical and subsidized system. The speaker suggests that the high cost of electricity is artificial and primarily serves the business interests of specific entrepreneurs, while renewable energy cannot survive in the market without hidden subsidies.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
There is a strong focus on utilizing domestic resources (oil shale) and developing the Ida-Virumaa region, including a concrete proposal to build a new power plant in Narva. It is stressed that this move would create jobs and enhance security. The text also addresses electricity prices in the Baltic region, setting the goal of achieving a low price level comparable to Finland's.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It supports economic growth achieved through low and stable electricity prices, and criticizes massive subsidies for renewable energy as an economic detriment. It sees the use of oil shale as an opportunity for a circular economy (using ash in cement production and construction) and for creating new jobs in Narva. It prefers cost-based production that is independent of fluctuations in global market prices.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is on energy security and the restoration of domestic production, clearly supporting the holding of a referendum on the issue of generating electricity from oil shale (Draft Law 581 OE). The objective is to terminate the intermittent electricity system and invest in a new Narva power plant based on fluidized bed technology, in order to restore control over the energy system.
2 Speeches Analyzed