The government’s climate and energy committee discussed the development of wind energy

Stenbock House, 3 June 2020 – The government’s climate and energy committee discussed the construction of wind farms in Estonia and on the Baltic Sea.

‘Out of all of the sources of renewable energy in Estonia, wind energy has the greatest potential for development,’ said Jüri Ratas. ‘The government has already taken decisions which will eliminate height restrictions for some land based wind farms, thereby creating new possibilities for developers. In order to move forward with the construction of offshore windfarms along the shoreline, we must act prudently and work closely together, in particular with nearby neighbours.’

‘Offshore windfarms in Estonia have a particularly large reserve capacity. If we were to unlock the entire potential, we would be able to produce three times more electricity than we currently consume’, said Taavi Aas, Minister of Economic Affairs and Infrastructure. ‘The first step must be the strengthening of cooperation between Estonia and Latvia in the planning of joint windfarms. We are also planning to conclude a memorandum of understanding with Latvia on this issue, with the government set to discuss the draft in June.’

The committee decided that the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, together with other actors, will continue its activities to promote the Baltic Sea energy network. The area of government of the Minister of Public Administration of the Ministry of Finance will provide the government with a new overview of the construction of land based windfarms following the entry into force of the comprehensive plans and designated spatial plans of local governments in 2022.

In addition, the committee received an overview today of the principles behind the long-term reconstruction of buildings prepared by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications. About 50 per cent of energy consumption here falls on the account of the Estonian Building Fund.

The goal of the climate and energy committee, established with the 11 July 2019 order of the government, is to reduce Estonia’s greenhouse gas emissions, thereby improving the competitiveness of Estonia’s economy and ensuring energy security and supply. The committee is chaired by the Prime Minister. Members of the committee include the Minister of Education and Research, the Minister of Defence, the Minister of the Environment, Minister of Economic Affairs and Infrastructure, the Minister of Finance, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Other Ministers participate in a committee meeting upon request. The Strategy Director of the Government Office serves as the secretary of the committee, who participates in the meeting of the committee with the right to speak.

Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmNBCNa3