Difference between revisions of "Atomic Policy in Estonia"

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Revision as of 09:23, 28 September 2012

Estonia has no nuclear power plants but it considering to build one by 2023. It is a part of the National Development Plan of the Energy Sector until 2020, which was approved by the Estonian Parliament on June 15, 2009.[1] Also the country is a stakeholder in the Visaginas NPP project and has explored involvement in a planned nuclear unit in Finland.[2]

Currently Estonia gets most of its energy from domestic oil share reserves. However, due to the resulting CO2 emissions the country is planning to significantly reduce its use of oil shale. Estonia is relatively one of the world's biggest producers of CO2, with per capita emissions of 14 tonnes per year[3]. Nuclear power is viewed as a possible source for emission-free energy[4].

According to the development plans, in 15 years the proportion of oil shale should remain below 30% and more different sources of energy should be used as compared to the current situation.[5]

Regarding Estonia's plans to build an own nuclear power plant, there are 6 places in the country that are suitable for such purpose. Media has mainly focussed on the Pakri Islands. The state-owned energy company Eesti Energia, too, has conducted studies there[6]. The islands are located in the Finnish Gulf and administratively they belong to the town of Paldiski[7]. Nuclear Disaster in Japan caused changes in the public opinion on nuclear power. Estonian economy and coruscations minister Juhan Parts said that the Estonian government will have to take it into account. However, nuclear power is still viewed as one of solutions. "Nuclear energy is one of the alternatives but there must be clear understanding of the public of that here," said Kalev Kallemets, CEO of Non profit organisation Estonian Nuclear Power Plant[8].

Regarding the Visaginas NPP project, Estonia is presumed to be one of the shareholders, with a share of 22 %.

Wider use of renewable energy sources instead of nuclear power is not considered because "as far as exploitation of renewable energy is relatively expensive for the end consumer, it wouldn't be rational to use it for covering the base load needs of the country."[9].