Estonia Plans to Eliminate Oil Shale Power Plants by 2035 with €15 Billion Investment in Clean Energy
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.
