Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
Draft law amending the Electricity Market Act (568 SE) - First Reading
2025-03-24
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session.
Political Position
The political stance is vehemently opposed to the current renewable energy strategy (especially wind energy), arguing that it results in high electricity prices and the impoverishment of the population. There is an urgent need emphasized to utilize Estonia's domestic oil shale resources during this security crisis to guarantee supply security and prevent further price hikes. Economic considerations and national security are paramount in formulating this position.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the energy sector, utilizing technical terminology such as CO2 capture systems and referencing specific infrastructure projects (wind farms, the west coast). Their argumentation relies on the standpoints of Estonian energy specialists, particularly Professor Alar Konist, emphasizing the potential for developing existing boiler units.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical, questioning, and concerned, focusing on logical and economic arguments (the price of electricity, impoverishment). Direct questions are employed to debunk common narratives (e.g., the decreasing cost of wind energy) and to bring the security aspect to the forefront. Attention is also directed toward social consequences, such as climate anxiety among young people.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Sufficient data regarding the frequency or rhythm of appearances is lacking, with the exception of two questions raised during a single session at the first reading of the Draft Electricity Market Act.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism targets politicians and decision-makers who ignore the advice of Estonian energy experts (e.g., Konist) and instead choose costly renewable energy solutions. There is strong opposition to the government’s narrative that wind energy will lead to a price decrease, which is deemed misleading.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
It expresses a readiness to find common ground with the rapporteur ("Could we find a way together...") to ensure that Estonia's own energy experts are heard and their viewpoints are taken into account. The cooperation focuses on improving policy through expert knowledge.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus centers on energy infrastructure, highlighting opposition to the construction of new solutions (wind turbines) along the Estonian west coast and the pouring of concrete into the sea. There is a preference for utilizing existing oil shale resources and infrastructure, which indirectly emphasizes the importance of Ida-Virumaa.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic viewpoints stress fiscal prudence and cost control, contrasting with expensive renewable energy that results in the impoverishment of the populace. Economic stability and the prevention of rising electricity prices through the use of domestic resources are prioritized.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The text addresses youth climate anxiety as a social issue, implying that young people are being unduly alarmed regarding the global impact of fossil fuels. The aim is to engage youth in a credible energy discussion rooted in realistic considerations.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is the first reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Electricity Market Act (568 SE). The speaker is a staunch opponent of the political direction underpinning the bill, instead advocating for the use of oil shale resources combined with CO2 capture technology as an alternative.
2 Speeches Analyzed