Agenda Profile: Rain Epler
First reading of the Riigikogu Draft Resolution "Supporting the Introduction of Nuclear Energy in Estonia" (431 OE)
2024-05-29
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political focus is on common-sense energy policy, strongly supporting the adoption of nuclear energy as a prerequisite for Estonia's economic well-being and energy-intensive industry. This stance is grounded in policy and values, emphasizing energy cost-effectiveness and independence, while simultaneously opposing subsidized renewable energy. The objective is to take the first significant step toward nuclear energy by utilizing a Riigikogu (Parliament) decision to prevent blocking by coalition partners.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates strong technical expertise in the energy sector, utilizing specific terms such as "Energy Return on Investment" (EROI) and material requirements. Quantitative arguments are favored, comparing the ratios for nuclear (1:70–100) versus renewable energy (wind 1:10–12, solar 1:1–2). Knowledge regarding the shortcomings of storage technology and oil shale pollution control is also highlighted.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is confident, combative, and at times sarcastic, accusing opponents (especially the Social Democrats) of hypocrisy and incompetence. Strong logical and technical arguments are employed to support the position, balancing them with sharp personal notes (e.g., a reference to quoting Ligi and Kadastik’s poor response). The opponents' actions are described as "literally throwing billions into the wind."
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in the Riigikogu debates, participating intensively in the question-and-answer session and reacting immediately to the arguments put forward by other colleagues (e.g., Kadastik, Aab, Reinsalu). This pattern of activity is aimed at shaping the political narrative within the parliamentary chamber and clarifying technical details during the first reading of the draft legislation.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Social Democrats and the proponents of subsidizing renewable energy. The criticism is intense and multi-layered, accusing the SocDems of representing the interests of lobby groups (a former minister who now heads a wind energy company) and of political hypocrisy regarding their demands for state support. This obstructionist behavior is considered unreasonable and unethical, often citing a complete lack of "sense of honor and shame."
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Although they represent the EKRE faction, they emphasize the desire to represent a cross-factional group that supports a "common-sense" energy policy. A willingness to cooperate is demonstrated by their readiness to consider amendments concerning the ownership of the nuclear power plant, proposing a limit on state ownership based on the size of the plant, following the Finnish model.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national energy policy and the economy, emphasizing the utilization of Estonia's own resources (oil shale) and skills, based on the current geopolitical situation. Reference is also made to international examples and concerns raised in Scandinavia regarding the relocation of offshore wind farm owners to tax havens.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views emphasize the necessity of high-quality, dispatchable energy both for attracting energy-intensive industry and for maintaining national prosperity. There is strong opposition to subsidy schemes (CFDs, subsidies) for weather-dependent energy, as these are considered a double cost and a waste. State majority ownership in large, strategic nuclear power plants is advocated.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are not the focus, but the topic of environmental protection is addressed in connection with the use of oil shale. The speaker asserts that pollution from Estonian oil shale power plants is minimal and controlled, claiming it is much lower than the pollution caused by urban traffic, thereby dismissing the scaremongering about people dying due to air pollution.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is supporting Riigikogu draft decision 431 OE, which represents the first step toward the adoption of nuclear energy. The speaker is a strong advocate for this initiative, seeing it as an opportunity to take action without coalition partners being able to block it.
4 Speeches Analyzed