Session Profile: Evelin Poolamets
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-01-13
Political Position
The political position is strongly critical of the government’s current energy policy, which relies excessively on intermittent renewables (juhuenergia). The speaker strongly emphasizes the need for stable security of supply and dispatchable generation capacities, calling into question the myth of cheap renewable energy. The policy framework is outcome-based, focusing on system instability and price volatility. They support the polluter pays principle, demanding that renewable energy producers bear the additional cost associated with CO2 emissions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates deep expertise in energy production and systems, using technical terms such as frequency control, dispatchable generation capacity, and carbon footprint. He refers to an energy audit by Eesti Energia, which showed increased pollution when cycling oil shale plants on and off. He also highlights the material intensity of renewable energy production (cement, steel, petrochemicals) and refers to record-breaking European electricity prices.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical, substantive, and analytical, focusing on logical arguments and the presentation of technical details. The speaker employs the debunking of myths (e.g., cheap renewable energy) and raises pressing questions regarding the assurance of stability. The tone is formal, addressing the respected chair of the session and the minister, while demanding concrete solutions to mitigate price volatility.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
No data available.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is aimed at the government's energy policy, which favors intermittent energy production and spreads the myth that it is cheap. The opposition is both political and substantive, stressing that the current course will lead to energy crises, price shocks, and an increased environmental burden. Criticism is also directed at renewable energy producers, who should be responsible for bearing the additional CO2 costs resulting from this intermittency.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
No data available
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is broad, encompassing Estonia’s national energy system (oil shale) and its security of supply. Furthermore, attention is being paid to the international energy market, highlighting record electricity prices in Germany and across Europe, as well as the potential threat of energy-exporting countries shutting off the taps.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives focus on the stability of electricity prices and fair competition in the energy market. The speaker demands that pricing must account for all costs, including storage capabilities and regulatory mechanisms necessary for handling intermittent energy consumption. He emphasizes the necessity of supporting technologies that guarantee stable security of supply and fairer pricing.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
No data available.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed at changing energy policy and regulations to ensure security of supply and support dispatchable generation capacities. The speaker calls for ensuring fair competition for technologies that can provide electricity at all times, not only when natural conditions are favorable.
2 Speeches Analyzed