Estonia Plans to Eliminate Oil Shale Power Plants by 2035 with €15 Billion Investment in Clean Energy
Estonia plans to eliminate oil shale power plants by 2035, requiring a €15 billion investment in clean energy as outlined in its National Energy and Climate Plan (ENMAK 2035). The strategy includes enhancing energy security through onshore wind development, despite local opposition, and aims to keep electricity prices competitive. A new reverse auction for wind farm development is expected in early 2026 to support this transition.
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Estonia's Minister of Energy and Environment, Andres Sutt, announced that the country aims to eliminate smoke-belching oil shale power plants by 2035 as part of its National Energy and Climate Plan (ENMAK 2035). The plan requires approximately €15 billion in investments over the next decade to enhance energy security, reduce electricity prices, and transition to clean energy.
Nuclear energy is included in the strategy, but a nuclear plant is not expected to be operational by 2035. Sutt noted the need for new generation capacity, with onshore wind identified as a fast and cost-effective solution.
Local opposition to wind farms remains a challenge, but the government seeks to ensure community benefits. A new reverse auction for wind farm development is anticipated in Q1 of 2026. Sutt emphasized that the goal is to keep electricity prices competitive, with a target for consumer prices to be below the Baltic Sea region average. The investment plan aims to boost economic growth and reduce reliance on electricity imports.
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