Federal administration unveils nationwide strategic blueprint for construction of nuclear power station
Estonia's government has embarked on an ambitious plan to build a 600-megawatt nuclear power plant, initiating the process for a designated national spatial planning and a strategic environmental impact assessment. The proposal was put forth by the Minister of Economic Affairs and Industry, Erkki Keldo.
The plan encompasses two small modular reactors (SMRs) and the infrastructural requirements for their operation, including a 330-kilovolt transmission line. The planning area spans approximately 1,200 square kilometers across Lääne-Viru and Ida-Viru counties, extending into coastal marine zones from Kunda Bay to Narva Bay.
Involving various stakeholders, including local communities, will be a key aspect of the planning and assessment phases. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications will manage the plan's preparation, while Fermi Energia, a private energy company, has agreed to cover the expenses associated with studies and assessments.
The environmental impact assessment (EIA) is aimed at evaluating potential environmental, social, and economic ramifications of the proposed plant. This analysis will assess the suitability of various locations and scrutinize the effects on local ecosystems and communities.
The planning process was formally initiated in response to a request from Fermi Energia in January 2025. If approved and executed on schedule, the first reactor could possibly commence operations by 2035. Estonia's current energy landscape is dominated by oil shale-fueled thermal power plants and wind farms, with the introduction of nuclear power being part of an effort to diversify the energy mix.
[1] "Estonia Moves Forward with Nuclear Power Plant Plans," World Nuclear News, January 2025.[2] "Government of Estonia Announces Nuclear Power Plant Plan," Estonian Public Broadcasting, January 2025.[3] "Estonia Seeks to Boost Economic Growth with Nuclear Power," The Baltic Times, January 2025.[4] "Environmental Impact Assessment for Proposed Estonian Nuclear Power Plant," Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, January 2025.[5] "Collaboration Agreement Signed for Nuclear Power Plant Planning in Estonia," Fermi Energia, January 2025.
- "The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications will oversee the preparation of Estonia's nuclear power plant plan, with Fermi Energia, a private industry player, responsible for the costs linked to studies and assessments."
- "Estonia's government, in collaboration with various stakeholders, is conducting an environmental impact assessment, evaluating potential ramifications of the proposed nuclear power plant on environmental, social, and economic aspects."
- "In light of the government's ambition to diversify Estonia's energy mix, the planned introduction of nuclear power is expected to play a significant role in the finance and energy sectors."
