Estonia is committed to the EU climate goals of reducing emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and making itself climate neutral by 2050. To fulfil those aims, Estonia must transition to greener forms of energy. However, the country’s current reliance on oil shale for its energy independence and security of supply means that stronger measures are needed.
One possibility being considered is embracing nuclear energy as an emissions-free energy source. The ambition is to generate electricity from a nuclear power plant by 2035, using newly designed Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) – a more advanced technology that, compared to conventional reactors, aspires to be safer, cleaner, and more affordable. Although SMRs show significant potential by being a promising emerging technology, the technology is not fully developed and mature yet. Not to mention that energy production with nuclear power will bring along the need to deal with many potentially critical issues for the population and to the environment overall.
As nuclear energy is still perceived as controversial, public debate has become a necessity.
On the 24th of November, the Estonian Ministry of the Environment organized an event on the topic “Nuclear energy – good or bad? “. The event focused on which analyzes are being completed to assess the possible use of nuclear power in the future, who is being collaborated with, are there already suitable locations for a nuclear power plant in Estonia and what is the public opinion on nuclear energy.
It was emphasized that Estonia’s energy all-time peak consumption is approximately 1560 MW, the consumption is increasing, and Estonia needs more clean and stable energy urgently. But concurrently, Estonia’s energy security must not come at the expense of safety. Therefore, on April 2021, a working group on nuclear energy called National Working Party on Nuclear Energy (WPONE) was created, and to ensure thought-out decisions, many studies and analyzes are being carried out in 2022 and 2023. [1]
One such study, conducted by Kantar Emor on 10.-16.02.2022, surveyed people’s attitudes towards nuclear power and found that 41% of Estonians are positively inclined towards nuclear energy, 39% are hesitant, and 20% are convinced opponents. The study also concluded that people need more information on nuclear waste management and the potential hazards and risks of operating power plants.
The public is a crucial part of the decision-making process
The use of nuclear energy in Estonia is a complex topic that requires careful consideration and public involvement. While it has the potential to supply a green and stable source of electricity, there are also notable concerns that must be addressed. As the public discussion on nuclear power production continues, it is essential for a balanced exchange of opinions that the public is kept fully informed and involved as applicable institutions and experts gain more knowledge through the ongoing studies and the results of these analyses raise the level of our knowledge on this complex subject.
[1] For example:
A communication strategy (Meta Advisory);
Security and Emergency Preparedness Analysis (ICDS);
Opinion poll on nuclear energy awareness and readiness for the implementation of nuclear energy (Kantar Emor);
A strategy on Estonia’s possibilities for the development of human resources in the field of nuclear energy and an overview of the regulatory framework required for the introduction of nuclear energy (Sorainen, TÜ RAKE);
Mapping the legal framework and updating the draft Nuclear Energy Act (TRINITI, Castletown Law, CIVITTA, Waselius & Wist);
A preliminary analysis of the potential locations of the nuclear power plant and spent nuclear fuel landfill (Steiger, Skepast&Puhkim).
