Agenda Profile: Jaak Valge
Inquiry Regarding Plans for the Construction of a Wind Farm on Saaremaa (No. 680)
2025-02-17
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The central political stance is the strong opposition to the gigantic offshore wind farm planned for the west coast of Saaremaa, which is framed as the protection of national interests and Estonia's pristine natural environment. The speaker declares support for green transition measures only when they align with Estonian national interests, contrasting this with a purely campaign-driven green transition. This position is strongly value-based, defending the living environment and historical continuity of local residents.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed technical expertise regarding offshore wind farms, correcting the figures presented in the inquiry and differentiating between nominal capacity (7000 MW) and total capacity. Comparisons are drawn with the world's largest parks (Baltic Eagle, Hornsea 1, 2), emphasizing the exceptional height of the planned turbines (up to 350 meters) and their close proximity to the coastline (11 kilometers). It is stressed that the effects of vibration and infrasound generated by these giant turbines have been insufficiently researched, which is why Estonia should not serve as a "laboratory."
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is pressing, anxious, and at times confrontational, utilizing both detailed data and emotional appeals ("Estonian men, Estonian women"). The speaker employs dramatic language, describing the park as an 80-kilometer wide "unbroken wall" and the project as "terrifying," emphasizing that Estonians should not be treated as test subjects. The engagement process is also criticized as a "formal process" and a "façade of democracy."
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) interpellation process, submitting several detailed follow-up questions and supplementary information to the minister. The speaker also references tomorrow's energy conference, where the opposition is denied a voice, which points to awareness and activity on the broader political stage.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is aimed at the government and the coalition, who stand accused of ignoring substantive engagement and disregarding the will of the people (with 53–65% opposition). The speaker asserts that parliamentarism in Estonia has ceased to function, arguing that the majority of the Riigikogu simply votes robotically according to decisions made within the coalition council. The critique is both procedural and political, faulting the government for unreliable forecasts and the absence of agreements concluded with Germany.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is showing no willingness to compromise with the government, stressing that cooperation between the legislative and executive branches has completely broken down. However, local civic initiatives are being actively supported, with a strong recommendation to review the analyses provided by the Saare Coastal People's Society, which are pushing for the wind farm to be planned 50 kilometers offshore.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The primary focus is heavily on the west coast of Saaremaa, where the establishment of a massive industrial zone threatens the local living environment and traditional ways of life. It is stressed that the project will impact local employment, the sustainability of small harbors, and historical continuity.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is skeptical about the project's economic viability for Estonia, since the planned capacity (7000 MW) exceeds Estonian consumption by more than four times, meaning that most of the electricity production and profits will move out of Estonia. Critical questions are raised regarding the certainty of the 2.6 billion euro subsidy and the export price, citing uncertain consumption forecasts.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are tied to the living environment and public health, highlighting the risks posed by infrasound noise, nanoplastics pollution, and disruptions to marine life. The speaker draws a contrast between human health and the natural habitat, and the escalating cost of the project, cautioning that the green transition could end up contradicting its own goals.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Legislative focus is currently centered on the procedures for the national special plan, demanding strict adherence to Section 31 of the Planning Act and the meaningful inclusion of stakeholders. The speaker proposes holding a referendum as an alternative solution and demands that the wind farm be planned at a safe distance from the coast, following the example of other countries.
5 Speeches Analyzed